Plague of Justinian
Plague of Justinian
Plague of Justinian (pronunciation: /ˈplāɡ əv ˈjəstənēən/) was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 25 million people in the Byzantine Empire. The plague is named after the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who was in power at the time and also contracted the disease but survived.
Etymology
The term "Plague of Justinian" is derived from the name of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, under whose reign the first outbreak occurred. The word "plague" comes from the Latin plaga meaning "stroke" or "wound".
History
The Plague of Justinian is believed to have originated in China or India, before spreading to the Mediterranean and North Africa. It arrived in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, in 541 AD. The disease is thought to have been carried by black rats and transmitted to humans by fleas.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the Plague of Justinian were similar to those of the Bubonic Plague, including fever, chills, weakness, and swollen and painful lymph nodes.
Impact
The Plague of Justinian had a profound impact on the Byzantine Empire, causing massive population decline and economic disruption. It also contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Middle Ages.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plague of Justinian
- Wikipedia's article - Plague of Justinian
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