News Climate

Cold, dry snaps accompanied three plagues that struck the Roman Empire

The finding reinforces an idea that climate can influence the spread of infectious diseases

A painting titled “The Plague of Rome” depicts the angel of death directing fatalities during the Antonine Plague. The angel of death has white wings and red fabric floating around it and yields a sword in one hand. Humans suffer and decay in the alley where the painting takes place.

A painting titled “The Plague of Rome” depicts the angel of death directing fatalities during the Antonine Plague. Climate shifts may have contributed to mortality during this and two other disease outbreaks that hit the Roman Empire, researchers say. 

Jules-Élie Delaunay, Minneapolis Institute of Art: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Atherton Bean

By Bruce Bower

For those who enjoy pondering the Roman Empire’s rise and fall — you know who you are — consider the close link between ancient climate change and infectious disease outbreaks.