Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Plague of Justinian Killed Millions and Weakened Byzantine Empire
The Plague of Justinian was a very large disease outbreak.
It happened from 541 to 549 CE.
The outbreak affected the Byzantine Empire.
This was during the rule of Justinian I. The disease was caused by the same bacteria as later plagues.
Tens of millions of people may have died.
The pandemic made the Byzantine Empire much weaker.
It is considered one of the earliest recorded pandemics.
The Plague of Justinian struck the Byzantine Empire from 541 to 549 CE.
It occurred during the reign of Justinian I.
The pandemic was caused by the same bacteria as later plagues.
Estimates suggest it killed tens of millions of people.
The disease significantly weakened the Byzantine Empire.
- Who
- The Byzantine Empire and its people were affected during the reign of Justinian I.
- What
- The Plague of Justinian was a major pandemic that killed tens of millions of people.
- When
- 541–549 CE.
- Where
- The Byzantine Empire.
- Why
- It was caused by the same bacteria as later plagues.
- Event
- The Plague of Justinian
- Date
- 541–549 CE
- Affected region
- The Byzantine Empire
- Ruler
- Justinian I
- Estimated deaths
- Tens of millions
- Historical significance
- One of the earliest recorded pandemics
- Impact
- Significantly weakened the Byzantine Empire