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The Fascinating History of Epidemics and Pandemics
It was believed that only homosexuals and addicts could contract HIV.
It’s safe to say that every Gen Z kid has read the words epidemic and pandemic in their history or biology class. However, we only learned the meaning of it once we experienced it in practical life. Unlike a pandemic, which spreads a disease over a large area, an epidemic occurs only in a single community at a particular time.
Throughout history, plagues and scourges have affected the human population like wildfire.
1. Plague of Justinian
The plague that became widespread between 541–549 AD proved to be the most virulent pandemic in history. Rats and fleas were believed to have carried this plague to the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople specifically.
It was claimed that these infected animals arrived on their land traveling from Egypt through trade routes. This pandemic resulted in a change of dynamics in Byzantine, which was now lacking healthy citizens to work as laborers or militaries.
