The earliest pandemic in history

It is unarguable that the COVID-19 pandemic is actively changing the course of our present. Looking back to similar occurrences in history and the huge impacts they had further solidifies this claim stemming from the universal vulnerability of human kind. The earliest of those recorded examples being the Athenian Plague in 430 B.C. 

The Plague of Athens was probably not a bubonic plague due to the absence of the "bubo" symptoms from the accounts. By consensus, it originated from Ethiopia and probably reached Athens through Egypt and Libya. The plague is still attributed to Athens because this is where it was most detrimental according to the records (or their absence in other affected areas). One very poignant account of this plague (which we are extremely thankful for) is Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War against Sparta. In this unique account, the rapidly spreading symptoms ranged from fevers all the way to deadly gangrene. It is mostly agreed that the nature of the disease was a smallpox infestation. The plague here appears to have changed much more than individuals' lives.

Perseverance in what men called honor was popular with none, it was so uncertain whether they would be spared to attain the object; but it was settled that present enjoyment, and all that contributed to it, was both honorable and useful. Fear of gods or law of man there was none to restrain them. As for the first, they judged it to be just the same whether they worshipped them or not, as they saw all alike perishing; and for the last, no one expected to live to be brought to trial for his offences, but each felt that a far severer sentence had been already passed upon them all and hung ever over their heads, and before this fell it was only reasonable to enjoy life a little.

- Thucydides on the Plague

It is suggested that this plague may have been a decisive factor in the eminent fall of the Athenians since it did wipe about a third of their forces. Even Thucydides implies that the death of the prominent general Pericles with the plague did indeed alter the outcomes for the Athenians. This is in addition to the implied changes in the Athenian's attitude and their drift towards living in the moment and lawlessness. Here, an outbreak really shows the demoralising effects it can have on a populace. We can, in fact trace some trends leading to the outrageous Sicilian Expedition which also cost the Athenians even more manpower. 

The death of Pericles

It was sometimes suggested, with one side obviously more detrimentally impacted by the then seeming "epidemic",  that the whole scenario was a conspiracy planted by the Spartans. Sounds familiar?! 

More soundly, we know that it was the openness of Athens to foreigners and the overcrowded environment of the Athenian city (even pointed out by Thucydides). The Spartan city, in contrast had a more closed policy and was, therefore quarantined by nature. It is estimated that the disease killed about 25% of the Athenian population civil-wise with no sufficient accounts from elsewhere.

Today, we have the ability to tame our present and bring about much kinder turns from history. And all it takes is basic awareness!

"Plague in an ancient city" is believed to be inspired by the events of the Athenian Plague

Sources:

John Aberth, Plagues in World History