“Fun Facts Saturday”
Most of us have had at least one “bad year.” But scholars have nominated 536 A.D. as “the worst year in human history,” and “the worst year to be alive.”
At that time, major volcanoes in Iceland and North and Central America erupted. This resulted in a “mysterious fog” that blocked sunlight in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia for 18 months. There were no distinct shadows during the day. Even at noon, people did not cast a shadow. Sunlight seemed more like moonlight.
Temperatures dropped and triggered a “Little Ice Age.” This became the coldest decade in over 2000 years.
This “mysterious fog” caused worldwide crop failures, famine, and starvation. Irish named this, “the year without bread.” Tens of millions died from malnutrition and starvation. Piles of rotting corpses caused widespread disease.
The “fog’s” effects nurtured the bubonic plague. By 541, parts of Europe witnessed the death of 1/3 to 1/2 of the entire population.
And you thought you’ve had a bad year!
(“Why 536 was “the worst year to be alive,” Science, Ann Gibbons, 15 Nov 2018; “536,” Wikipedia; “Much of the World Went Dark for 18 Months in 536 A.D.,” History, Aug 1, 2023, Becky Little)
Images of 536
(Website: londonedition.net)
The London Edition 