The Plague of Justinian

The Plague of Justinian was a devastating outbreak of bubonic plague that struck the Byzantine Empire, particularly its capital, Constantinople, around 541 AD. Named after Emperor Justinian I, this pandemic resulted in the deaths of millions, with estimates suggesting it killed up to half the population in some areas. The disease spread rapidly through trade routes and was carried by fleas on rats. Its impact weakened the Byzantine Empire, disrupted economies, and altered social structures. The plague recurred for centuries, influencing public health responses and sparking changes in how societies dealt with epidemics.