

One of the most prominent plagues during this period was the Antonine Plague (165–180 AD). The diseases ranged in severity, some being catastrophic and others being not quite as deadly.

For instance, deforestation lead to a higher rate of transmission due to a chain reaction in the marshes from the rising water table that stemmed from deforestation. The sewage systems, the public bathing houses, and the diet of citizens in Imperial Rome all contributed to the spread of disease.Įnvironmental problems also played a part. There were a variety of potential causes of these diseases present in the highly dense and quickly growing society's way of living. As the borders of the empire continuously expanded and the population steadily grew, cities in the Roman Empire were exposed to a multitude of diseases. During the imperial period of Rome, disease was a devastating aspect of life.
