Empire in Agony: Unveiling the Antonine Plague’s Shadow over Rome

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

I’m Paul Vogelzang, and welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. We are bringing you yet another captivating episode that combines the richness of history with the relevance of today’s world.

Today, our Smithsonian Associates journey takes us back to the pinnacle of the Roman Empire, an era marked by unprecedented prosperity and peace under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. But amidst this golden age, a shadow loomed, one that would shake the very foundations of this mighty empire. We’re talking about the Antonine Plague, a pandemic so vast in its reach and impact that it’s considered the first of its kind in human history.

Joining us is Smithsonian Associate Colin Elliott, an esteemed historian and author of the riveting book, “Pox Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World.” Through his meticulous research and compelling narrative, Elliott unveils the mysteries of this ancient pandemic that struck without warning, its tendrils reaching every corner of Roman society.  Smithsonian Associate Colin Elliott, will be presenting at Smithsonian Associates coming up, so please check out our show notes today for details. But we have a brief tease of a conversation with Smithsonian Associate Colin Elliott, including a clip from Colin Elliott’s podcast, The Pax Romana Podcast, where Colin Elliott transforms complex academic material into enthralling stories accessible to all.  This clip is from episode 18, ‘Nero: The Making of a Bad Emperor’.

That, of course, is our guest today, Smithsonian Associate Colin Elliott.   Our interview today is more than just a story of a bygone plague. It’s a tale of resilience, leadership, and the human spirit facing an unimaginable crisis. How did Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his administration confront this calamity? What lessons can we learn from their response? Elliott’s insights offer a unique lens through which we can view our own contemporary challenges.  This journey into the past is not just about understanding the Antonine Plague but also about appreciating the intricate tapestry of historical research as it applies to our future.

So, brace yourselves for an enlightening conversation that bridges the past and present, revealing how history’s first pandemic left an indelible mark on the Roman Empire and shaped the course of human events. This is  The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series here. History comes alive, and we learn that understanding our past is key to navigating our future. Stay tuned!

My thanks to  Smithsonian Associate Colin Elliott, who will be presenting at Smithsonian Associates coming up, so please check out our show notes today for details.  Colin Elliott is the author of the riveting book, “Pox Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World.”  My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show, and my thanks to you, my wonderful audience here on radio and podcast…please be well, be safe, and remember, Let’s Talk About Better™. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. Thanks, everybody, and we’ll see you next week.