Unit:
Speciality ΜSC in History, Ethics and Sociology of MedicineLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Kostakis Georgios
Supervisors info:
Λάιος Κωνσταντίνος, Διδάκτωρ, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Καραμάνου Μαριάννα, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Δημητριάδης Ιωάννης, Υποψ. Διδάκτωρ, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Οι πανδημίες απο την αρχαιότητα έως τους πρώιμους βυζαντινούς χρόνους και οι συνέπειες τους στον εκείνο κόσμο
Translated title:
Pandemics from antiquity to the early byzantine era and their consequences in that world
Summary:
This paper examines pandemics in antiquity and their effects on the societies of the
time. Through an analysis of four major pandemics - the plague of Athens, the
Antonine plague, the plague of Cyprian and the plague of Justinian - the impact of
these pandemics on social, economic, religious and political life is presented. It is
shown that pandemics played a catalytic role in reshaping societies, causing changes in
crisis management strategies, religious practices and social cohesion. The study
examines how epidemics affected economic development and urban infrastructure, as
well as how climate change contributed to their spread. The study also compares
methods of dealing with pandemics in antiquity with modern practices, highlighting
advances in medicine and public health. It highlights the importance of international
cooperation and the development of health care systems, as well as the social and
economic impact of pandemics. Finally, the impact of pandemics on religious beliefs
and practices is examined, as well as the moral and philosophical quest that pandemics
provoke in societies. The paper concludes that the historical study of pandemics can
offer valuable lessons for understanding and responding to future health crises,
enhancing the resilience and flexibility of social systems.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Plague, Athens, Antoninus, Cyprian's, Justinian's
