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In AD 536, a volcanic eruption meant our planet was enveloped by a cloak of lethal dust which changed the climate for decades. Many millions of people died as a bubonic plague epidemic broke out. Migration and huge changes ensued. This was the beginning of the modern era, as David Keys discusses.
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British TV viewers may have seen a Channel 4 documentary in July 1999 about a catastophic climate change in the year 535/536 AD. The documentary was based on this book, written by the archaeology correspondent for the Independent newspaper.
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David Keys found evidence for the climate change in dendrochronology-- the study of patterns of tree rings to provide accurate historical dates. In 535/536 there was almost no tree growth, showing that the climate went haywire. A few documentary sources also point to a year or more of the sky being darkened and the sun paler than the moon.
The author's purpose in this book is threefold: to identify a possible source for this disaster, in a massive volcanic explosion between Java and Sumatra; to point to the likelihood of something similar happening again, with equivalent consequences; but most of all, to examine the impact of this climatic disaster on history.
This, the main part of the book, is the most fascinating, though also perhaps the weakest part of his argument. Keys traces the fall of the Roman Empire and consequent rise of Byzantium, the birth of Islam, and many other major changes as powerful nations and civilisations crumbled or were over-run by invading cultures, in Europe, Asia, the Far East, and central and South America. Even the retreat of the British and the triumph of the Anglo-Saxons is tracked back to the fall-out from the volcano. Some of his arguments are very persuasive, though there are also many weak links, perhapses and maybes--but at least he is honest in expressing these.
However valid or invalid his main thesis, this book provides a splendid worldwide overview of 6th century history, and is valuable for that in itself. -- David V. Barrett
"A challenging new perspective. [Catastrophe] is original, provocative and should be taken seriously."-HUGH KENNEDY Professor of Early Islamic History, St. Andrews University, Scotland "[Catastrophe is] a radical new approach to historical writing. This is truly a book for the end of the millennium."-DR. MARK HORTON Leading authority on African archaeology, British University
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- PublisherCentury
- Publication date1999
- ISBN 10 0712680691
- ISBN 13 9780712680691
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages384
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780712680691
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. In AD 536, a volcanic eruption meant our planet was enveloped by a cloak of lethal dust which changed the climate for decades. Many millions of people died as a bubonic plague epidemic broke out. Migration and huge changes ensued. This was the beginning of the modern era, as David Keys discusses. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001223999
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Book Description Condition: Good. Jacket has some nicks, wear, marks, crumpling and scratches. Hard board has some bumps, wear and occasional marks. Fading/scratches at text blocks. Fading at page edges. Very slight crease lines at a few top right page corners. Text good and clean. Seller Inventory # 120962-7
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