Ancient diseases that shook the world
By Ama H. Vanniarachchy
We have learned from childhood that the world’s great civilisations and cities were brought down by wars, civil crises, droughts, famines, floods, and climate change. But what is often overlooked is that deadly diseases played a major role in the collapse of these great cities and civilisations.
Microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, which are invisible to the naked eye, although very small in size, are catastrophic as deadly weapons. Powerful empires built over thousands of years, mighty rich cities, and self-sufficient villages with thousands of acres of fertile fields were whipped off from the face of the earth by these powerful deadly diseases within a few months or a year or two; some even without leaving a trace and some never being able to return to the past glory.
Some great civilisations, such as the mighty Roman Empire, faced their decline in the face of Malariya. It is believed that many ancient civilisations were affected by diseases, including the ancient Greeks, and ancient Egyptians. According to some historians, Malariya was one of the major causes that shook the Rajarata civilisation of Sri Lanka during the 13th civilisation and forced its inhabitants to abandon the once-prosperous fertile land of the North Central plain of Sri Lanka.
Let us dwell a little bit further into this and understand some of the deadliest diseases that shook the ancient world and were successful in destroying some mighty cities and civilisations.
The impact of malaria
Malaria stands out as one of the most devastating ancient diseases, which impacted several great civilisations, including Rome and parts of South Asia. The disease, carried by mosquitoes breeding in contaminated or stagnant water, wreaked havoc on communities. Historical records indicate that malaria contributed to the decline of the mighty Roman Empire. The Romans, with their vast engineering feats and powerful legions, found themselves vulnerable to this persistent threat. The disease weakened the population, reducing productivity and the strength of armies, which ultimately played a role in the empire’s decline.
In Sri Lanka, malaria is believed to have contributed significantly to the fall of the Rajarata civilisation during the 13th century. The once-thriving North Central plains, known for their complex irrigation systems and fertile lands, suffered as the disease spread. The population weakened and unable to maintain the intricate network of tanks and fields abandoned the area, which marked a profound shift in Sri Lankan history.
Measles and influenza: The hidden threats
Measles and influenza were other diseases that brought significant suffering to ancient urban centres. These diseases thrived in cities where population density was high, a scenario that did not exist until humans began settling in larger communities. The spread of measles and influenza, highly contagious viral infections, had dire consequences for densely packed urban areas, where medical knowledge and treatment options were limited.
The outbreaks would sweep through populations, affecting all social classes, leading to a sudden drop in the workforce and causing panic. Communities weakened by continuous exposure to such diseases found it difficult to recover and were sometimes easy prey for external enemies or internal strife.
Cholera and typhoid: Waterborne menaces
Diseases such as cholera and typhoid spread primarily through contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation. These waterborne diseases often surfaced in regions with poor public hygiene or where clean drinking water was compromised. Ancient cities with rapid population growth struggled to maintain proper waste management, turning their water sources into breeding grounds for bacteria.
Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, could wipe out entire towns within days due to severe dehydration and shock. Similarly, typhoid, caused by Salmonella typhi, led to high fevers, weakness, and death if untreated. The impact on civilisations was severe, disrupting trade, governance, and daily life. The toll on human lives also made it difficult to sustain agriculture and trade, leading to food shortages and economic downturns.
Lessons from the past
The historical devastation caused by these diseases underscores the importance of public health and sanitation. The fall of major civilisations due to invisible foes like malaria, measles, influenza, cholera, and typhoid shows that strength and wealth were not enough to shield societies from the threat of epidemics. The reliance on communal water sources and close quarters in ancient cities provided ideal conditions for the spread of such diseases, emphasising the crucial role of proper sanitation and medical knowledge.
In ancient Sri Lanka, the sophisticated irrigation systems supported the population for centuries but also posed risks when neglected. Following the early 13th century Kalinga Magha invasion, these systems fell into disrepair as Magha’s forces deliberately destroyed tanks and canals, breaking embankments and crippling the irrigation network. The once-thriving waterways became stagnant, creating breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes and harbouring other harmful pathogens. This neglect led to severe public health consequences, showcasing how disrupted infrastructure can facilitate the spread of disease.
According to chronicles, the Rajarata civilisation endured repeated pandemics and epidemics. Descriptions suggest that these outbreaks could have been influenzas, measles, smallpox, or even leprosy or similar severe skin conditions (referred to as kushta roga). Some of these illnesses were believed to be spread by evil forces or demons. The severity of such outbreaks sometimes led to entire villages being abandoned, underscoring the vulnerability of ancient societies to disease and the impact on their social and economic structures.
The Rajarata civilisation met its final collapse with Kalinga Magha’s invasion of Polonnaruwa in 1215, which brought an end to the local monarchy. As noted, Magha’s deliberate destruction of tanks and canals led to neglected water systems, turning them into breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and pathogens. Over time, the spread of diseases like malaria, typhoid, influenza, and cholera, coupled with malnutrition, weakened the population. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can trigger epigenetic changes, impacting DNA, diminishing cognitive and physical resilience, and adversely affecting future generations’ health and development.
This could be the trajectory Sri Lanka followed post-13th century. Prolonged exposure to epidemics, nutritional deficiencies, and challenging living conditions, compounded by wars and invasions, likely eroded the island’s prosperity. The enduring impact of such adversities may have contributed to a weakened population, both physically and cognitively, over generations. Such growing stresses, increased by environmental hardships and persistent health crises, could explain a gradual decline from the once thriving and resilient civilisation that had flourished under advanced systems of infrastructure and governance.
The story of ancient diseases and their impact on powerful civilisations serves as a reminder of the importance of robust health infrastructure. The downfall of empires like Rome and the struggles of civilisations such as ancient Sri Lanka are testimonies to how fragile human societies can be when faced with the unseen forces of disease. Understanding these past pandemics can offer valuable insights into current and future challenges, highlighting the timeless importance of preparedness and public health.
The post Ancient diseases that shook the world appeared first on Ceylon Today.