Since the start of times, man has always been ravaged by several viruses and plagues. Most of the viruses have come to alter the fate of humanity. They have decimated a number of European, Asian and Middle East countries. Till now hundreds of millions of people have killed by the whims and furies of the viruses. Thus, it is clear that these dangerous viruses and plagues have played a commanding role in changing the course of the human existence. At the same time, they have also caused a number of economic and cultural changes. Below is the list of top 10 worst plagues in history.

10. Moscow Plague-1771

The full intensity of the plague was seen in Moscow in the late months of 1770 to 1771. As usual, the authorities made use of a number of strategies for gaining a control on it. A number of places as well as people were quarantined which further created a state of paranoia in the people. Furthermore, the entire economy of the country was effectuated, as most of the public and private businesses were ceased.

9. Antonine Plague 165-180 AD

Known more commonly by the plague of Galen, Antonine Epidemic was marked by symptoms of small pox or measles. It was quite difficult to control as there were no sort of specialized medication for controlling it. What’s more unfortunate is the fact that the plague had also killed two Roman Emperors whose family name was Antonine. In all, the plague had caused the death of nearly 5 million individuals.

8. Plague of Marseilles 1720-1722

Lasting for nearly two years, this plague was one of the most devastating and debilitating outbreaks of the 18^th century. As suggested by the name, the plague had spread out in a city and then spread out to other areas. A total of hundred thousand people were killed as a result of it. The credit for controlling the plague goes to the government which undertook some extreme measures for keeping it contained in a single area.

7. Plague of Athens 430-727 BC

This plague had struck Athens in the times of the second Peloponnesian War. Although the effectuations of the plague were also seen in other areas, but the max intensity was only experienced within the walls of Athens, thus causing the deaths of thousands of people in a matter of a short time. Based on the modern speculations, the disease was likely small pox, typhus or measles.

6. The Great Plague of Milan 1629-1631

Experienced as small series of Bubonic plague, The Great Plague happens to be the worst ever in the history of the Italians. It continued for nearly 2 years causing 280,000 deaths. The most number of deaths were seen in Venice and nearby localities.  It is also said that this disease was the last strike of the Black

Death plague in Europe.

5. The American Plague-16^th Century

As most of the people of North and South America used to live in isolation from other continents, so they had no sort of innate immunity to withstand the plagues which were prevalent in those days. Most of these diseases were passed on to the Americans from the European fisherman and tradesmen. From time to time, the plagues returned killing thousands and thousands of people.

4. The Great Plague of London 1665-1666

The plague had killed more than 100,000 people which were nearly 1/5^th of the total population of London at those times. Many believed that it was a wave of the Black Death Plague which was common at those times, while some state that it was a viral hemorrhagic fever. The plague also happens to be one of the most widespread outbreaks in the history of England.

3. Plague of Justinian 541-542

Named after the Byzantine ruler of those times, this plague had infected the capital of those times, Constantinople. From there onwards, it had spread to various regions of Asia, North Africa and Europe. Furthermore, it is believed that it was the notorious Black Death plague which had now entered Asia. As a result of the plague nearly 40 % of the city’s population was wiped out.

2. The 3^rd Pandemic 1855-1950’s

Beginning from the Yunan province in China, the plague had started its action in the year 1855. The pandemic had remained active till 1959, after which the intensity was reduced. The most number of deaths were caused in the very initial days of the breakout which forced the scientists of those times to take some revolutionary measures. Nearly 12 million people were annihilated by the plague in India and China only. The prime reason for the spread of this plague to other areas was the enhanced systems of trade and commerce.

1.    The Black Death 1347-1351

Also known by the name of Bubonic Plague and Black Plague, it is the same pandemic which has killed more than 70 million people all around the world. The most number of people killed by the outbreak are Europeans. Till now the origins of the plague are not known clearly, but many believe that it originated from China or Russia.