Episode 92 - The Pestilence of 463 BCE

We're jumping back into the narrative. The title might be a bit of a giveaway, yes yes, we'll be talking about … pestilence! But before we get there we need to consider the circumstances.Rome has been having lots of problems with their neighbours, particularly the Aequians and we've seen a shift in tactics from Aequians engaging in guerilla style raiding to seeking out the Romans in pitched battle. To say that Rome has been vexed by this is an understatement. Livy has offered some portents for the times ahead which, in a narrative history of Rome, can't be good!OurMain PlayersTheConsuls for c. 463 BCE:LuciusAebutius HelvaPubliusServilius PriscusHARK,PLAGUE!Livy kinds informs us of some dreadful details about a plague that is sweeping through the countryside. We take you through the grisly details from both Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. Whatinitially seems confined beyond the city though soon moves within andthis means problems for urban citizens, visitors, and the bodypolitic (both figuratively and literally).ANOPPORTUNITY?While Romans struggle just to stay alive, the Aequians and the Volscians consolidate their growing friendship of mutual convenience into a straight up alliance. This places Rome in a difficult spot between needing to keep her own allies – the Latins and the Hernicans – appeased as well as the knowledge that their previous irritations have formally combined forces.COMEFOR THE PLAGUE, STAY FOR THE……Otherexcitement afoot!Thingsto look forward to in this episode. We'llconsider:Thefirst actsof the new Aequian-Volscian allianceTheRoman response to their allies' call for supportThedefence systems of the CityThepower of divine interventionSomereasons why Rome doesn't fall in this momentAndquestions and discussion about the role of the interregesEpisode 92 – The Pestilence of 463 BCEThe angel of death striking a door during the plague of Rome. Engraving by Levasseur after J. Delaunay Image credit: Wikimedia Commons and Wellcome ImagesFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.