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The origin of the three great epidemics of the Roman period has often been sought in Asia. We propose a review of our knowledge, taking into account the new information provided by archaeology. The commercial circulation between Rome and Asia is better known, in particular for the Indian Ocean. The phylogenetic analysis of microbes made possible by ancient DNA is also beginning to change our knowledge. However, it remains difficult to link the Antonine and Cyprian epidemics with Asia. Justinian's plague, on the other hand, did originate in Central Asia, and then probably took the Indian Ocean trade route.