Plague of Cyprian

The Plague of Cyprian was a devastating infectious disease outbreak that occurred around 251-266 AD during the Roman Empire, named after Saint Cyprian, a bishop who documented its impact. It likely was a severe epidemic, possibly smallpox or measles, causing widespread death, social disruption, and religious reflection. The epidemic severely affected populations, military, and leadership, highlighting the empire's vulnerabilities to health crises. Its historical significance lies in its influence on societal, religious, and medical responses to pandemics, serving as one of the earliest recorded large-scale outbreaks in history.