Roman Plague of 590

Giovanni di Paolo La Procession de saint Gregoire au chateau saint Ange

EngelsburgErzengelMichael2

Roman Plague of 590 was a significant epidemic event that struck the Roman Empire during the early part of the 6th century. This plague is part of a series of outbreaks known as the Plague of Justinian, which are believed to have been caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, the same pathogen responsible for the Black Death centuries later. The Roman Plague of 590 had profound effects on the empire's society, economy, and overall structure, contributing to the further decline of Roman power in the ancient world.

Background

The Roman Empire during the 6th century was a shadow of its former self, having been weakened by continuous barbarian invasions, internal strife, and economic difficulties. The Plague of Justinian first appeared in the year 541 AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, and recurred in waves over the next two centuries. The plague of 590 represents one of these waves, occurring in a period marked by political and social instability.

Impact

The Roman Plague of 590 had devastating effects on the population of the empire. Contemporary accounts describe cities and towns with significant portions of their populations wiped out. The workforce was severely affected, leading to a decline in agricultural production, shortages of food, and economic stagnation. The military was also weakened, making the empire more vulnerable to external threats.

The plague contributed to significant social and religious changes within the empire. The high mortality rate led to a widespread sense of despair and a search for spiritual solace, contributing to the spread of Christianity. It is during this period that the Church began to play a more central role in the daily lives of the people, offering assistance and comfort to the afflicted.

Response

The response to the plague was varied. In many areas, there was a reliance on spiritual solutions, with people turning to prayer and penance in an attempt to appease what they believed were divine forces responsible for the epidemic. Gregory the Great, who would become Pope Gregory I, is noted for leading a famous penitential procession in Rome to pray for the end of the plague.

Medical knowledge at the time was rudimentary, and the understanding of disease transmission was limited. Treatments were largely ineffective and consisted of a mixture of herbal remedies, prayers, and superstitions.

Legacy

The Roman Plague of 590 is remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the Roman Empire, illustrating the vulnerability of human societies to natural disasters. It also marked a significant point in the transition from the classical to the medieval world, influencing the social, economic, and religious landscape of Europe for centuries to come.

The plague underscored the importance of public health and sanitation, lessons that were unfortunately forgotten or ignored in the centuries that followed, until the resurgence of similar epidemics prompted a renewed interest in these areas.

See Also

• Plague of Justinian
• Black Death
• Yersinia pestis
• History of the Roman Empire
• Gregory the Great