History & Area Studies / Thematic History / Social & Cultural History
How a Flea Killed the Roman Empire: The Plague That Created Europe
Justinian's Flea: Plague, Empire, and the Birth of Europe
Think the fall of Rome was about barbarians and weak emperors? Think again. The real killer was microscopic. In this video, we explore William Rosen's 'Justinian's Flea: Plague, Empire, and the Birth of Europe'. Discover how a single bacterium, Yersinia pestis, riding on fleas and rats, wiped out 25 million people in the 6th century. This plague didn't just end Justinian's dream of reuniting the Roman Empire—it reshaped the entire Mediterranean world. We'll break down the science of the plague's spread, the political chaos it caused, and the ironic twist: how this catastrophe paved the way for modern Europe. From the fall of Constantinople to the rise of knights and feudalism, this is the untold story of history's greatest game-changer. Watch to see why a flea might be the most powerful creature in history.
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