History

The Plague That May Have Ended the Ancient World

Five thousand people died in Constantinople every single day. In 541 AD, a plague arrived in Roman Egypt with no name and no explanation. Within months it had spread across the entire Mediterranean.

Watch the episode · 90 seconds

The full written article for this episode is on its way. In the meantime, the 90-second episode above covers the story. Browse all articles →

Full Articles

Natural Disaster · 1958 The Lituya Bay Megatsunami Read → Maritime Mystery · 1900 The Flannan Isles Lighthouse Read → Climate · 536 AD The Year the Sun Went Dark Read →