Around 1345, volcanic eruptions led to famine. Following this, the import of grain increased, ultimately leading to the Black Death in Europe.
Category: Medieval Climate
Medieval Natural Disasters and Resilience
Natural disasters in the Middle Ages were met with resilience in a number of different ways: migration, rebuilding, re-settlements.
The Dark Ages: Nature’s Comeback in the Netherlands
In the period known as the Dark Ages (c. 300 - 700 AD), woodlands staged a remarkable comeback across Europe, including the Netherlands.
Icebergs in the Black Sea in AD 763
In AD 763 volcanic eruptions in Iceland caused Icebergs in the Black Sea and a nearly frozen Bosphorus causing widespread fear
How can we Hide from Climate Changes?
What Happens During Rapid Climate Changes? What can we learn from History?
Climate Changes in Pre-Viking Societies had Profound Consequences
Did climate changes in pre-Viking societies really matter? Did people adapt their agricultural strategies? Or were such changes just registered as temporarily “whacky weather” by the people of the past?
Did Climate Change cause “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”?
The story of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is incresingly considered as a reflection of 4thcentury widespread draughts on the Eurasian Steppes, the wanderings of the Huns, and the forced migration of the Germans.
Climate and Migrations in Early Medieval Germany
What role did the Early Medieval climate changes play in the creation of the post-Roman world? Did people migrate because of the cooling weather?
Medieval Hilltop Villages and Castles in the Italian Landscape
The history behind the castle-building on hilltops in the medieval Mediterranean landscape – the incastellamento or incastellation – is nuanced
Environment in the Classical and Medieval Worlds
Environmentalism covers the ancient idea that environments and climate influences our mentalities. New book offers an introduction
The Great Transition in the Late Medieval World
New book by Bruce M. S. Campbell on the Great Transition from 13th to the 16th century promises to be the new bible in environmental history
Syrian Drought Worst in 900 Years
The newly published Old World Drought Atlas was recently used to gauge the seriousness of the Syrian Draught, the like of which has not been seen for 900 years.
The Double Volcanic Event in AD 536 and AD 540
Severe deterioration of living conditions in Scandinavia in the years’ AD 536 - 50 was caused by two volcanic explosions following each other
What Impact Did Climate Have Upon Medieval History?
What impact did climate have on Medieval History? A new crop of studies help to explore the details of the linkage between migrations, wars and much more. Get the overview here
Environmental Disasters in the Medieval Levant
BOOK REVIEW: Sarah Kate Raphael explores the interplay between the climate in Medieval Levant and the politics of crusading and warring in the region
The Medieval Warm Period
The medieval warm period (AD 725 - 1025) was characterised by little solar activity and few volcanic eruptions. This resulted in climate stability and economic and demographic growth