Plague devastates Athens from "summary" of The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
In the second year of the Peloponnesian War, a devastating plague struck the city of Athens. This plague, which originated in Ethiopia and passed through Egypt and Libya, arrived in Athens through the port of Piraeus. The crowded conditions within the city allowed the disease to spread rapidly among the inhabitants. The symptoms of the plague were severe and varied. People experienced intense heat in their heads, redness and inflammation in their eyes, sore throat and tongue, bad breath, and violent coughing. The disease also caused stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many people died within seven or nine days of contracting the illness. The effects of the plague were felt throughout the city. The death toll was so high that the bodies of the deceased were left unburied in the streets, causing a sense of despair and hopelessness among the survivors. The lack of proper care for the sick and dead only served to exacerbate the spread of the disease. The plague also had a significant impact on the city's infrastructure. The number of skilled workers and artisans dwindled as they succumbed to the illness, leading to a shortage of essential goods and services. The economy of Athens suffered as trade and commerce came to a standstill, further deepening the city's woes. The psychological toll of the plague was immense. People abandoned their customs and religious practices, believing that their previous way of life had no power to protect them against the disease. The social fabric of Athens was torn apart as fear and paranoia gripped the population. Despite the devastation wrought by the plague, the Athenians did not give up hope. They continued to fight against their enemies and persevere through the darkest days of the war. The resilience and determination of the Athenian people in the face of such overwhelming adversity is a testament to their strength and courage.
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