How many died in the Plague of Athens?

The Plague of Athens, which occurred in 430 BC, is estimated to have killed between 75,000 to 100,000 people, approximately 25% of the city’s population, although the exact number of deaths is still a subject of debate among historians and scholars. The plague had a significant impact on the city of Athens, which was already under siege by Sparta during the Peloponnesian War, and its effects were felt for centuries to come, shaping the course of Western civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Plague of Athens

1. What caused the Plague of Athens?: The exact cause of the Plague of Athens is still unknown, but smallpox is one of the most popularly mentioned causes, although there is no consensus among classical scholars or clinicians.
2. How many Athenians died in the Peloponnesian War?: The estimated number of Athenian casualties in the Peloponnesian War ranges from tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand, based on archeological evidence and accounts from Athenian historian and general Thucydides.
3. Was the Plague of Athens the bubonic plague?: The Plague of Athens was neither bubonic, nor pneumonic, nor septicaemic, and its exact nature remains a topic of debate among scholars.
4. Who was killed by the plague in Athens?: Among the victims of the plague was Pericles, the leader of Athens, who died in 429 BC.
5. What plague had a 100% death rate?: The primary pneumonic plague had a nearly 100% death rate if left untreated, and even with treatment, the death rate was around 50%.

Historical Context

6. What was the deadliest plague in history?: The Black Death, which occurred from 1346 to 1353, is considered the deadliest plague in history, killing an estimated 50 million people, more than 60% of Europe’s population at the time.
7. Did Athens ever lose a war?: Yes, Athens lost the Peloponnesian War to Sparta, which was concluded after the Athenian surrender.
8. Why did Sparta fear Athens?: Sparta feared Athens due to its rise to greatness, which threatened Spartan power and influence in the region.

Medical and Scientific Aspects

9. Is the plague still existent today?: Yes, the bubonic plague still exists today, although it is no longer as deadly as it was in the 14th century, thanks to advances in medicine and public health.
10. What stopped the plague?: The plague was eventually brought under control through the practice of quarantining infected people, improved sanitation, and advances in medical practices.
11. Was COVID worse than the plague?: No, the COVID-19 pandemic was not as deadly as the Black Death, due to significant advances in medicine and public health.

Legacy and Impact

12. What can the Great Plague of Athens teach us?: The Great Plague of Athens teaches us the importance of overcoming self-interest and fear in the face of adversity, and the need for collective action to prevent the spread of diseases.
13. How did the Black Death end?: The Black Death eventually subsided due to a combination of factors, including quarantine, improved sanitation, and changes in human behavior.
14. Did anybody survive the Black Death?: Yes, many people survived the Black Death, and some may have developed a genetic advantage that helped them resist the disease, which was passed down to their descendants.
15. Is the plague rare now?: Yes, the plague is relatively rare in modern times, with most cases occurring in specific regions, such as the western United States, and Africa, although it can still be deadly if left untreated.