☁ A Year Without Sunlight
In 536, a mysterious fog blanketed much of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, darkening the skies for over a year. Temperatures plummeted, crops failed, and famine swept continents. China recorded summer snowfall, and Ireland faced food shortages from 536 to 539.
🦠 Then Came the Plague
Just a few years later, in 541, the Plague of Justinian devastated the Byzantine Empire, killing millions — up to 50% of some populations — accelerating the empire’s decline.
🌋 The Volcanic Clue
What caused this global darkness? Recent ice core studies from Switzerland point to a massive volcanic eruption in Iceland in early 536, followed by others in 540 and 547. These spewed ash and sulfur into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and cooling the planet — triggering over a century of hardship.
🧊 A Recovery Hidden in Ice
By 640 AD, a spike in lead pollution in the ice (linked to silver mining) hinted at Europe’s economic recovery — trade was resuming, and society was stabilizing. But when the Black Death hit in the 1300s, lead vanished again, marking another economic crash.
🧬 Why It Matters
This mix of historical records and climate science is revolutionizing how we understand the past. The integration of high-resolution environmental data gives a powerful new lens on how natural disasters reshaped civilization.
