The Justinianic Plague, which began in 541 AD, marks the onset of the first historically recorded pandemic. Originating in the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I, this plague is recognized as one of the deadliest in history, comparable only to later pandemics like the Black Death in the 14th century and the 20th-century plague. The initial outbreak persisted until 549, but recurrences plagued the empire for nearly two centuries, contributing to a catastrophic death toll estimated between 15 to 100 million people. The Justinianic Plague Wasn’t as Bad as Many Scholars Think Study Demonstrates Terrible Toll of Sixth Century Plague of Justinian The disease, identified in modern times as caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacterium responsible for the Black Death, is believed to have entered the Byzantine Empire via Egypt, spreading rapidly through major trade routes. Constantinople, the empire's capital, experienced the plague's devastating effects, with daily death tolls reportedly reaching up to 5,000. Read moreSection: NewsGeneralVideosHistoryRead Later