Justinian Plague

Justinian Plague

1. Byzantine Empire: Context

   • Justinian spent time as emperor defeating enemies (Ostrogoth in Italy, Vandals and Berbers in North Africa, Frank, Slavs, Avars, etc)
     • Peace and prosperity + supply trains + people in cities = perfect conditions for spread of rats
   • By 542 he had re-conquered most of the empire
   • Constantinople (capital city of Empire) -- great location for trading center
   • At the same time: unusual climate conditions in Southern Italy (snow, cold) + wars = affected food harvests - food shortages = migration of people, little space, increase in rat population

2. Origin

   • Originated in 541 AD, arrived in Constantinople in 542
   • First significant appearance of the Bubonic Plague (Yersinia Pestis), but probable pneumonic and septicemic plague as well
   • Originated in China and Northeast India - carried to Great Lakes region of Africa --- overland and sea trade routes
     • from Egypt -- Pelusium o Nile’s northern eastern shores
       • Spread North to Alexandria and East to Palestine
     • Transmitted through black rat (Rattus rattus) on grain ships and carts -- sent to Constantinople as tribute
       • North Africa primary source of grain for empire (8th century)
         • Grain: perfect breeding ground for rats and fleas -- favorite meal

3. Named after emperor Justinian I, (482-565, emperor from 527 to 565)

4. Records

   • Historically recorded by Procopius of Caesarea (500-565)
     • Descriptions of symptoms
       • Delusions, nightmares, fevers and swellings in the groin, armpits, and behind their ears.
       • Comas, extended delusions
       • Slow deaths or immediately after onset of symptoms

5. Effects

   • Affected nearly half of European population, lasted for about 225 years (541-750) -- no more large outbreaks of plague until 14th century (1350 Black Death)
   • Cities in constant overflow of corpses in need of proper disposal
   • Political -- weakening of Empire
     • 568 Lombards invaded Northern Italy -- division of Italian peninsula (reunification in 19th century)
     • North Africa and Near East taken over by Arabs
     • Less people = decreased army and power
     • Justinian wanted to keep Empire in glory, ordered construction of Hagia Sophia and waged wars against Goths in Italy and Vandals in Carthage
   • Economical
     • Disrupted trade
     • Less people = fewer farmers, less produce
     • Very high prices and declining tax revenue
   • Cultural View
     • People lost faith in Justinian
     • Procopius (historian) declared that the emperor was a devil, or had caused God to punish him for his evil ways.