Justinian Plague

The Justinian Plague was a devastating pandemic that struck the Byzantine Empire, primarily from 541 to 542 AD. Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, the same that later caused the Black Death, it spread through fleas carried by rats and affected widespread areas. The plague caused high mortality, killing millions of people and weakening the empire’s economy and military strength. It recurred in waves over the following decades, highlighting the severe impact infectious diseases had on ancient societies. The Justinian Plague is considered one of the earliest and most significant pandemics in recorded history.