Complete History of THE PLAGUE OF JUSTINIAN: The Pandemic That Shaped Empires | History for Sleep

Описание: Dive into the complete history of the **Plague of Justinian**, the devastating pandemic that struck the Byzantine Empire and beyond during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527–565 AD). Often called the first recorded global plague pandemic, this outbreak of bubonic plague—caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis*—emerged in 541 AD and reshaped empires, economies, and societies across the Mediterranean world.

Narrated in a calm, soothing voice, this 2-hour documentary-style video explores the origins of the disease in Central Asia or Africa, its rapid spread via trade routes and grain ships infested with rats and fleas, the horrifying symptoms described by eyewitnesses like Procopius, the massive death toll in Constantinople and beyond, Emperor Justinian's personal battle with the illness, and the long-term consequences that weakened the Byzantine military, halted grand reconquests, and contributed to the transformation of the late antique world.

Perfect for history enthusiasts or as a relaxing bedtime listen—let the story of this ancient catastrophe carry you into a peaceful sleep.

*Timestamps:*

00:00 - Introduction: The Dawn of a Pandemic in the Age of Justinian
08:45 - Historical Context: The Byzantine Empire at Its Peak Under Justinian I
18:30 - Origins of the Plague: From Central Asia to Egypt
32:15 - The First Outbreak: Arrival in Pelusium and Spread to Constantinople (541–542 AD)
48:20 - Eyewitness Accounts: Procopius and John of Ephesus Describe the Horror
1:02:00 - Symptoms and Suffering: Fevers, Buboes, Delusions, and Sudden Death
1:15:40 - Life in Constantinople During the Peak: Chaos, Mass Graves, and Social Breakdown
1:28:50 - Justinian Falls Ill: The Emperor's Recovery and Response
1:40:00 - Spread Across the Empire: Impact on Italy, North Africa, and the Provinces
1:52:30 - Economic and Military Consequences: Weakened Armies and Lost Reconquests

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