Plague, paleogenetics, and the boundaries of the discipline of history

The effects of the Justinianic Plague have recently become the focus of an intense debate. After re-examining old evidence and introducing new data, we have argued that the Justinianic Plague was inconsequential demographically and not a significant factor in any large-scale historical processes. Despite the plague, Justinian’s legal reforms were solidified, his building program and religious policies continued, and even the military campaigns were not affected.