Nîmes Roman aqueduct reveals impact of ancient Cyprian Plague

Researchers from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have discovered new evidence regarding the impact of the Cyprian Plague on the Roman Empire. By studying carbonate deposits within the Roman aqueduct of Nîmes, a 50-kilometer system built around 50 AD, scientists have been able to reconstruct historical changes in water flow and quality.

Using carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotopes, the team identified a period of increasing system decay starting around 230 AD. The findings suggest that by approximately 270 AD, the water quality had significantly deteriorated, potentially reflecting the broader societal and political crises caused by the epidemic during the 3rd century.