After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: The Plague That Shook The Roman Empire
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney & Maddy Pelling
Guest: Professor Kyle Harper, Historian and Classicist at Oklahoma University

Introduction to the Justinian Plague

In this episode, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the Justinian Plague, one of history's earliest recorded pandemics, which struck the Eastern Roman Empire during Emperor Justinian's reign. This devastating outbreak not only caused immense mortality but also had profound effects on the empire's stability and Justinian's ambitious plans for reconquest.

The Roman Empire in Late Antiquity

[04:55] Professor Kyle Harper:
"We're in a period that's sometimes called Late Antiquity, sometimes considered the beginning of the Middle Ages. It's one of those periods of transition, of twilight."

Professor Harper sets the stage by describing the state of the Roman Empire in the 6th century. Unlike the grandeur of earlier periods under emperors like Julius Caesar or Marcus Aurelius, the empire's seat had shifted to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). Justinian, alongside his wife Theodora, aimed to restore the empire's former glory through military conquests and significant legal reforms, such as the creation of the Justinianic Code.

The Onset and Spread of the Justinian Plague

[07:47] Maddy Pelling:
"This is the Justinian Plague, the first great pandemic in recorded history. And it began not with a bang, but with the scrape of a rat's claw on wood."

The plague reached Constantinople in the spring via grain ships from Egypt, where infected rats carried the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Initially presenting as fevers, the disease quickly escalated, leading to mass mortality in the city. Historian Procopius vividly describes the horrors:

[01:38] Maddy Pelling:
"The dead were dragged down to the seashore and piled on boats like flotsam on great rivers, pus discharging itself down into the sea."

Origins and Transmission of the Plague

[17:37] Professor Kyle Harper:
"The cause of this pandemic is the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is the same pathogen responsible for the Black Death of the 14th century."

Through advancements in DNA analysis, historians now trace the plague's origins to Central Asia, specifically around present-day Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and western China. The disease likely spread through interconnected trade networks within the Roman Empire and beyond, reaching regions such as Egypt, the Red Sea, and ultimately Constantinople by 541 AD.

Symptoms and Public Reaction

[25:07] Professor Kyle Harper:
"Plague can take different courses in different patients... It can result in deadly septicemia or pneumonic plague, which transmits between humans."

The Justinian Plague manifested in various forms, including bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Bubonic plague caused painful swellings known as buboes, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin, indicating severe infection. Septicemia led to rapid death, often within a day, while pneumonic plague allowed for human-to-human transmission through respiratory droplets.

The swift and brutal nature of the disease fueled apocalyptic fears among the populace. [14:41] Professor Harper:
"Apocalypse is very much already in the air when things get really strange..."

Cultural and Religious Responses

[35:36] Maddy Pelling:
"In the sky above this whole scene, there is a figure that's emerged from the clouds that my notes tell me is Jesus."

The episode examines how the Justinian Plague influenced cultural and religious expressions, as evidenced by medieval art. A 15th-century painting depicts chaotic scenes of plague-stricken individuals alongside religious figures like Jesus and St. Sebastian, symbolizing the intertwining of divine intervention and human suffering. Professor Harper notes that [36:18]:
"The appropriate response is to seek intercession from figures like St. Sebastian who can ask for mercy for humanity."

Impact on Justinian's Ambitions and the Empire

[44:44] Professor Kyle Harper:
"The plague weakens the Roman Empire and, combined with prolonged military campaigns, leads to its eventual fragmentation."

The Justinian Plague significantly hindered Justinian's efforts to reconquer and unify the Roman territories. Prolonged military campaigns, compounded by the empire's weakened state due to recurring plague outbreaks, ultimately led to the loss of key regions such as Italy, Africa, and parts of the Near East. This marked a turning point, transitioning the empire from a unified Roman entity to a fragmented Byzantine state.

Long-term Effects and Historical Memory

[40:18] Professor Kyle Harper:
"The Justinian plague, as an event, is largely buried in histories and chronicles and doesn't have a huge cultural memory."

Unlike the Black Death, which left a substantial mark on European consciousness, the Justinian Plague fades into the background of historical narratives. Its long-term effects, however, were profound, including repeated outbreaks that weakened the empire over centuries and contributed to the eventual decline of Byzantine power.

Modern Parallels and Lessons Learned

[51:07] Professor Kyle Harper:
"Every pandemic is the same and different... History will remind us that there will be another pandemic in our future."

The hosts draw parallels between the Justinian Plague and contemporary pandemics like COVID-19, emphasizing the recurring themes of vulnerability and interconnectedness. Professor Harper highlights the importance of understanding historical pandemics to better prepare for future outbreaks, noting that despite advancements in science and medicine, the fundamental challenges of disease transmission and societal impact remain relevant.

Notable Quotes

• Professor Kyle Harper ([04:55]):
  "We're in a period that's sometimes called Late Antiquity, sometimes considered the beginning of the Middle Ages."

• Maddy Pelling ([07:47]):
  "This is the Justinian Plague, the first great pandemic in recorded history. And it began not with a bang, but with the scrape of a rat's claw on wood."

• Professor Kyle Harper ([25:07]):
  "Plague can take different courses in different patients... It can result in deadly septicemia or pneumonic plague, which transmits between humans."

• Professor Kyle Harper ([35:36]):
  "The appropriate response is to seek intercession from figures like St. Sebastian who can ask for mercy for humanity."

• Professor Kyle Harper ([44:44]):
  "The plague weakens the Roman Empire and, combined with prolonged military campaigns, leads to its eventual fragmentation."

• Professor Kyle Harper ([51:07]):
  "Every pandemic is the same and different... History will remind us that there will be another pandemic in our future."

Conclusion

The Justinian Plague was a pivotal event in the history of the Eastern Roman Empire, demonstrating how pandemics can shape the course of empires and influence societal structures. By examining this ancient catastrophe, the episode underscores the timelessness of challenges posed by infectious diseases and the enduring resilience required to navigate them.

For further exploration, listeners are encouraged to read Professor Kyle Harper's book, "The Fate of Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire," and explore other related episodes on the History Hit platform.