Antonine Plague Outbreak in Rome

The Antonine Plague began in the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The pandemic emerged following troop movements from campaigns in the East, spreading rapidly across the empire.

This plague had significant demographic and military impacts, contributing to the weakening of Roman forces and society. While the exact pathogen is uncertain, many scholars associate it with smallpox or measles.

The disease outbreak marked one of the earliest recorded pandemics in Western history, altering the course of Roman imperial stability.