In A.D. 535 a natural catastrophe befell the planet. It was the worst event in the tree-ring record and ice cores show it was the largest event affecting both polar ice caps in the last 2,000 years. Some argue that the event was an immense volcanic eruption, likely the largest of the past 50,000 years, which cast an atmospheric veil that blotted out the sun for 18 months, causing climate and human chaos. This super-eruption marked the heart of the Dark Ages, which saw a shift from the ancient world to the modern. After the eruption, every continent endured famine, war, migrations and massive political change. The volcano was probably located in today's Straits of Sunda, which separate the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. It was the explosion of this proto-Krakatoa that may have formed these two islands from one. According to the book 'Catastrophe' by archaeological journalist David Keys, the climate change of 535-536 was the underlying cause for many events, including: The fall of the Roman Empire, the end of ancient Persia, the rise of Islam and the fall of Teotihuacán, as well as the spread of Bubonic plague through Africa and Europe. The eventual result of all the upheaval was the conception of at least four modern nation-states in Europe — France, Spain, England and Ireland -- as well as Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Cambodia and Turkey.
Enter your email address so NGC can remind you when next this show airs.
Terms & Conditions Please note that show times occasionally change. Always consult NGC's online TV schedule for the latest information. If you sign up to receive a mobile reminder, you are authorizing NGC program reminders to be sent to your mobile phone. You will only receive reminders for shows that you request. This is a free NGC service, but standard text messaging rates apply. NGC mobile program reminders are offered by the following carriers: Alltel, AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile®, Verizon Wireless. You can end this service anytime by texting STOP to 64288. If you have trouble using this feature, please email site comments to website@natgeochannel.com. NGC privacy policy
Your reminder has been created.
An error occured while trying to create your reminder. Please try again.
See our planet from a different angle.View PhotosEARTH FACTS:
Explore the world's top destinations.VISIT SITE
