Study: First Mass Grave From Justinian Plague Confirmed

Did the Plague of Justinian fundamentally reshape civilization or did Byzantine society endure without transformation?

Published 2 days ago·Updated 10 hours ago

Study: First Mass Grave From Justinian Plague Confirmed

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Above: This file photo from April 1, 2010, depicts the ancient city of Jerash, a well-known site located 50 kilometers north of Amman, the capital of Jordan. Image credit: Khalil Mazraawi/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

The Jerash mass grave proves the Plague of Justinian killed millions and devastated Byzantine society through rapid urban mortality. This archaeological evidence transforms genetic data into a human story, revealing how densely populated cities became death traps when mobile populations were suddenly trapped together. The discovery shows how ancient pandemics were catastrophic social events that fundamentally reshaped civilizations.

IFLScience USF

Invicta on Youtube

Narrative B

The Jerash findings refute plague denialism by providing hard evidence the outbreak occurred, but mass mortality doesn't prove societal collapse. A disease can rampage through populations, but ultimately, society can endure. When the world warmed slightly centuries later, the population of Europe rebounded and thrived.

Guardian

Randall Carlson on X