Plague of Athens

In the second year of the Peloponnesian War (430 BC), when an Athenian victory still seemed within reach, the city of Athens was hit by a devastating epidemic, known as the Plague of Athens.

Related Topics:
Peloponnesian War - 430 BC - Athens - Epidemic

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Because the Spartans had a much greater army, the Athenians were forced to retreat behind the city walls of Athens. From there, they hoped to keep the Spartans at bay, allowing the Athenian navy to cut off supply lines.

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Thucydides described the coming of an epidemic disease which began in Ethiopia, passed through Egypt and Libya, and then came to the Greek world. The epidemic broke out in the city, which was tightly packed with people. Athens lost perhaps one third of its populace. It killed many of Athens's infantry, some expert seamen and their leader, Pericles. Leaderless and weakened, the remaining Athenians fought bravely but were defeated.

Related Topics:
Thucydides - Ethiopia - Egypt - Libya - Pericles

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Note that historians disagree on whether the plague was a critical factor in the loss of the war. However, the loss of the war may have paved the way for the success of the Macedonians and, ultimately, the Romans.

Related Topics:
Macedonians - Romans

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Historians have long tried to identify the disease behind the 'plague' of Athens. It has traditionally been considered an outbreak of bubonic plague, but re-considerations of the reported symptoms and epidemiology have led scholars to advance alternative explanations including typhus, smallpox, measles, and toxic shock syndrome. Others have suggested anthrax, tramped up from the soil by the thousands of stressed refugees or concentrated livestock. Based upon descriptive comparisons with recent outbreaks in Africa, ebola has also been considered.

Related Topics:
Bubonic plague - Typhus - Smallpox - Measles - Toxic shock syndrome - Anthrax - Ebola

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