Hungersteine -> "hunger stones" hydrologic markers of famine

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In summary, as Europe battles a severe drought, ancient warning messages carved into stones are being revealed in rivers, serving as a chilling reminder of the consequences of climate change. These "hunger stones" bear inscriptions from more than 500 years ago, warning of poor harvests, high prices, and starvation during periods of drought. This serves as a wake-up call to take action and prevent further damage to our planet.
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European stone carvings with warnings of famine and death from the 1400's due to severe drought. They are now visible again due to very low water levels.
"
Carved into the side of a rock, the phrase emerged as water levels continue to drop in one European river, and the five-word translation delivers a warning from ancestors of what’s to come.

-- Allison Finch, AccuWeather staff writer
Published Aug. 15, 2022 12:08 PM MDT | Updated Aug. 15, 2022 3:54 PM MDT

As Europe's drought continues to worsen, the water levels in rivers have dropped significantly, revealing chilling warning messages from more than 500 years ago"

Commentary:
https://arstechnica.com/science/202...eft-out-context-original-story-was-from-2018/
 
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The stone dates from 1616 and bears a warning in German: "If you see me, then cry".

In a 2013 study, a Czech team of researchers wrote that these boulders bear "carved the years of hardship and the initials of authors lost to history," adding that the "inscriptions survived the effects of the drought to warn".

"They expressed that the drought had brought poor harvests, lack of food, high prices, and starvation for the poor," the researchers wrote. "Before 1900, the stone commemorates the following periods of drought: 1417, 1616, 1707, 1746, 1790, 1800, 1811, 1830, 1842, 1868, 1892 and 1893."

https://www.businessinsider.de/wirt...e-hungersteine-freigelegt-die-vor-not-warnen/
 
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Wow, it's amazing how history can come back to warn us about the present. These hunger stones are a haunting reminder of the consequences of climate change and the impact it has on our environment. It's concerning to see that even 500 years ago, our ancestors were aware of the dangers of drought and water scarcity. We need to take action now to prevent further damage to our planet. Thank you for sharing this insightful article, Allison Finch.
 

What are hunger stones?

Hunger stones are hydrological landmarks found in rivers that historically served as markers indicating low water levels. These stones are often inscribed with dates and warnings, typically emerging during droughts when water levels fall significantly. The inscriptions usually serve as historical records and grim reminders of challenging times when water scarcity led to poor crop yields and famine.

Where can hunger stones be found?

Hunger stones are most commonly found in Central Europe, particularly in rivers like the Elbe and the Rhine. Many of these stones date back centuries and are located in regions that have historically experienced variable river flows and frequent droughts.

What do the inscriptions on hunger stones signify?

The inscriptions on hunger stones often include dates and sometimes inscriptions that serve as warnings or records of past hardships. A common inscription reads “Wenn du mich siehst, dann weine” (German for "If you see me, weep"), indicating that seeing the stone is a bad omen of famine and hardship due to the low water levels affecting agriculture and water supply.

Why are hunger stones important for historical and environmental studies?

Hunger stones are valuable for both historical and environmental research. Historically, they provide insights into past climate conditions, drought frequencies, and how communities responded to environmental stresses. Environmentally, they offer a tangible measure of historical water levels and can be indicators of changing climate patterns, helping researchers understand long-term climate variability and its impacts on human societies.

How are hunger stones relevant today?

Today, hunger stones are still relevant as they remind us of the historical impacts of extreme weather and serve as a warning for current and future generations about the potential consequences of climate change. They highlight the importance of sustainable water management and the need to prepare for more frequent and severe drought conditions as global temperatures continue to rise.

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