الأوبئة و أثرها على القوة العسكرية للامبراطورية الرومانية في القرن الثاني الميلادي : (الطاعون الأنطونينى نموذجا)‎

Abstract EN

Epidemics appeared in different historical periods, but their impact was more devastating in antiquity than others.

Here we are going to talk about the most widespread and devastating type of epidemic in Roman history, the Antonine Plague.

During the reign of "Marcus Aurelius" (161-180 AD), the Roman Empire was at the height of its power; Where it was exposed to a long and devastating epidemic.

Hence, the researcher will focus on this epidemic that appeared among its soldiers during the siege of the city of Seleucia (165-166 AD), during the long fierce war that the empire fought for 16 years against the Parthians when the victorious Roman armies returned, and if it were not for some of the measures taken to confront this epidemic, it would have changed The shape of political forces in the ancient world, so we can call it a pandemic because its spread exceeded the limits of one city.

Because of its seriousness and the speed of its spread, this epidemic extended to the beginnings of the era of “Comodus” (180-192 AD).

In the end, this research will attempt to find out the reasons for the emergence of this epidemic; And the reasons for its spread, and its impact on the Roman army, and the role of the physician Galen in that.