Malaria was endemic in the late Roman Empire, with ancient DNA evidence confirming its presence and impact. This "Roman fever" likely weakened the empire by affecting the workforce and military, and may have contributed to its fall, particularly during epidemics like the one in the 5th century AD. The disease's spread was exacerbated by environmental changes, such as deforestation and the creation of stagnant water from construction projects, which provided ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Environmental factors
Environmental degradation: Deforestation, logging, and the creation of canals for transportation contributed to stagnant water and the spread of mosquitoes.
Urbanization: The construction of cities and roads, along with the maintenance of water infrastructure, created new breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
War and conflict: Periods of war and upheaval led to the movement of people, who may have carried different parasite strains into new populations, and also caused environmental disruption that aided mosquito breeding.
Environmental factors
Environmental degradation: Deforestation, logging, and the creation of canals for transportation contributed to stagnant water and the spread of mosquitoes.
Urbanization: The construction of cities and roads, along with the maintenance of water infrastructure, created new breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
War and conflict: Periods of war and upheaval led to the movement of people, who may have carried different parasite strains into new populations, and also caused environmental disruption that aided mosquito breeding.
