Cold Snaps and Plagues: Uncovering the Roman Empire's Climate Connection

New research suggests that cold snaps during the Roman era may have triggered devastating pandemics, with the three largest pandemics coinciding with abrupt and deep cold periods. The study, which analyzed sediment cores from the Gulf of Taranto, revealed climate variations between 200 B.C. and A.D. 600, linking specific cold periods to major pandemics such as the Antonine Plague and the Plague of Justinian. The correlation between cold climate phases and disease outbreaks highlights the potential impact of climate change on ancient societies and offers insights into the challenges faced by societies today.