Did a volcanic eruption trigger ancient climate change?

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The discussion centers on the hypothesis that a significant climate change around 535-536 AD, likely triggered by a volcanic eruption such as Krakatoa, contributed to the onset of the Dark Ages. Historical accounts describe a period of darkness and reduced sunlight, leading to widespread crop failures, droughts, and plagues. Tree ring analysis indicates diminished growth during this time, corroborating the climate shift. The consequences included the collapse of empires, such as Teotihuacan in South America, and significant population declines in regions like the Byzantine Empire due to the bubonic plague. The cooler temperatures may have facilitated the spread of the plague by driving rodents and fleas into closer contact with human populations. The discussion also touches on the broader historical implications, suggesting that these climatic events played a role in significant societal changes and migrations during the Middle Ages. While some participants speculate about alternative causes, such as comet impacts, the prevailing view attributes the climatic disruption primarily to volcanic activity.
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http://www.vortigernstudies.org.uk/artwho/incest.htm

Vortigern

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The first writer to tell the story of Vortigern was the sixth century historian Gildas, writing his De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae ("On the Ruin and Conquest of the Britains") in the first decades of the 6th century. He tells us (chapter 23) how "all the councillors, together with that proud usurper [omnes consiliarii una cum superbo tyranno]" made the mistake of inviting "the fierce and impious Saxons" to settle in Britain. According to Gildas, apparently a small group came at first, and was settled "on the eastern side of the island, by the invitation of the unlucky (infaustus) king". This small group invited more of their countrymen to join them, and the colony grew. Eventually the Saxons demanded that "their monthly allotments" should be increased, and when their demands were eventually refused, broke their treaty and plundered the lands of the Romano-British.
 
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