What Was The First Virus?
Synopsis
By 180 A.D., the Antonine Plague had killed 70 million people, more than a quarter of the Roman Empire's population.
Synopsis
In the summer of 166 A.D., Roman physician Galen faced a devastating plague that swept through the empire, claiming the lives of 70 million people. The Antonine Plague, marked by fever and sores, spread from the heart of Rome outward, leaving destruction in its wake. Galen documented the outbreak but could not identify its cause. The film traces the history of viruses, linking ancient pandemics to modern scientific understanding, including the eventual identification of smallpox as a viral disease.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how Galen battled a deadly plague in ancient Rome.
- Find out the staggering death toll of the Antonine Plague.
- Discover the link between viruses and the origin of life.
Did You Know
- The Antonine Plague killed 70 million people by 180 A.D.
- Galen tried to treat the plague but could not identify its cause.
- The plague struck Rome indiscriminately, affecting all social classes.
- Smallpox, caused by a virus, was only conquered in 1980.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Antonine Plague caused by?
The Antonine Plague was caused by a virus, specifically smallpox.
How many people died from the Antonine Plague?
By 180 A.D., 70 million people had died from the Antonine Plague, which was more than a quarter of the Roman Empire's population.
Who were the emperors that died from the plague?
Emperor Lucius Verus succumbed to the plague three years after its arrival in Rome, and his co-ruler Marcus Aurelius died from the same illness eleven years later.
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