536 AD - Worst Year in History

Summary by Krater

This video examines the historical year 536 AD, often called the worst year in human history, and explores the catastrophic volcanic eruption and subsequent climate anomaly that caused widespread famine and political instability across Eurasia.

From the video

Answers: Why was 536 AD considered the worst year in history?

• Year 536 AD history
• Volcanic eruption climate impact
• Justinianic plague origins
• Late antiquity famines
• Dendrochronology and ice core analysis

What it concludes

• The year 536 AD was marked by a mysterious atmospheric dimming and lack of sunlight resembling a solar eclipse or volcanic winter.
• Ice core and tree ring data indicate a massive volcanic eruption occurred around 536 AD, causing severe cooling across the Northern Hemisphere.
• The 536 AD climate catastrophe led to widespread crop failures, famines, and severe economic stagnation across Eurasia.
• The famine and cold conditions weakened human immune systems and drove rodents into closer contact with humans, helping trigger the Justinianic Plague in 541 AD.
• Subsequent volcanic eruptions in 540 and 547 AD prolonged the century-long state of economic stagnation and societal collapse until recovery began around 640 AD.