alternatehistory.com

Before its eradication by the WHO in the 1970s smallpox probably had a greater effect on human history than any other disease.

Early attempts at vaccination, using scabs from sufferers, took place as early as 1000bc (In India), but this was still potentially deadly, and the vaccinated could still spread the disease. It wasnt until the end of the 18th century that Edward Jenner noticed people who worked with cattle (and had been exposed to the far less deadly cowpox virus) were immune to infection.

So WI this discovery had happened a great deal earlier? Smallpox first appeared in the Roman Empire around 2nd century AD, and is thought to be the cause of the Antonine plague. Galen, probably the greatest ancient doctor, was around at the time and could have feasibly made the connection. Galen was also familiar with the concepts of innoculation and even basic hyperdermic needles.

So WI he had? Did the Roman Empire possess the ability to actively innoculate people with cowpox? If they could get it working what effect would it have on the future of the world?
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