10. Epidemics and Disease Outbreaks
Widespread disease has repeatedly brought civilizations to their knees. The Plague of Justinian devastated the Byzantine Empire, while smallpox contributed to the collapse of indigenous societies in the Americas. Epidemics do more than reduce populations—they can cripple armies, disrupt economies, and unravel social order. The CDC explores both historical and current impacts of epidemics, underscoring their persistent threat to societal stability.
