Study: First Mass Grave From Justinian Plague Confirmed
The Spin
Narrative A
The Jerash mass grave proves the Plague of Justinian killed millions and devastated Byzantine society through rapid urban mortality. This archaeological evidence transforms genetic data into a human story, revealing how densely populated cities became death traps when mobile populations were suddenly trapped together. The discovery shows how ancient pandemics were catastrophic social events that fundamentally reshaped civilizations.
Narrative B
The Jerash findings refute plague denialism by providing hard evidence the outbreak occurred, but mass mortality doesn't prove societal collapse. A disease can rampage through populations, but ultimately, society can endure. When the world warmed slightly centuries later, the population of Europe rebounded and thrived.