3 Reasons 536 Was the Worst Year in Human History
When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it poured so much dust into the sky that the sun over Eastern Washington went dark. Ash drifted overhead, traveling into neighboring Idaho and forcing temperatures down by as much as 15 degrees F. Locals spent a few weeks scared and shivering under dull skies. They had no way of knowing it, but they were experiencing a tiny fraction of the horror humans felt back in 536 — a time that Harvard University historian Michael McCormick once called “the worst year to be alive.” For decades, the year 536 was a historical mystery. Records showed that it was a terrible time, stricken by the triple threat of:
Those horrors and the economic and political instability they brought ravaged the globe from Ireland to China. Although 536 was arguably the
ice was riddled with volcanic glass. Further study revealed enormous volcanic
eruptions in 536, 540, and 547 likely caused “The Dark Ages.” It wasn’t just metaphorically dark — it was literally dark
worst year, things didn’t get better for more than a decade. In fact, they got worse in some areas! In 541, the Plague of Justinian — the first bubonic plague pandemic — appeared in Egypt and spread through Europe, killing roughly one-third of the continent’s population.
thanks to ash blotting out the sun and coating people’s homes, skin, and clothing.
Scientists have traced the 540 eruption to Ilopango, a volcano in El Salvador that’s currently inactive, but they’re still
hunting for the source of the 536 eruption. As we write this, volcanoes in Iceland and Alaska are the most likely candidates. We’ve already survived a pandemic this century, so for everyone’s sake, let’s hope both regions stay quiet until at least 2100. We all deserve a break!
For decades, archaeologists and historians have puzzled over the tipping point in 536. “What went wrong,” they wondered, “to make the sun go dark and trigger snow in summer?” It was a head-scratcher until 2018. That year, researchers finally solved the mystery with help from, of all things, a Swiss glacier! The glacial
1. Unexplained, unending darkness 2. Unseasonably frigid weather 3. Crop failures and famines
Insurance Companies May Reduce Your Claim if You Weren’t Remember to Stay Buckled In!
It’s common knowledge that you can file a personal injury claim and receive compensation if you were injured in a car accident. However, several people have asked us if you could still file a claim if you weren’t wearing your seat belt during the accident and still got injured. Here’s what you need to know.
vehicle. But it’s more than just a law — it’s a life-saver! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts for front-seat passengers reduce the risk of death by 45% and risk of injury by 50%. Those not taking the proper safety measure to buckle up are 30 times more likely to receive an injury or be ejected from the vehicle. Even if you weren’t wearing your seat belt, you can still file a claim, but it can drastically reduce the settlement you could receive. You and your attorney will work together to create a solid defense as to why you should be compensated. You can collect evidence by scheduling appointments with a medical provider, taking tests to measure the amount of disability you may have, taking photos of the accident, and providing personal testimony on how this incident has disrupted your life.
Seems pretty straightforward, right? Well, there is a catch. Although insurance companies will try to dispute your claim even if you were wearing a seat belt, they will use the fact you weren’t buckled up against you. In other words, you must prove that your injuries would still have happened if you had fastened your seat belt. Because insurance companies will try to blame you for your injuries, it’s vital to build a solid case to prove your side and justify your pain and suffering. Most importantly, never accept a reduced settlement, even if you weren’t wearing your seat belt! Instead, connect with a personal injury attorney to assist you. At Brooks & Crowley, attorney Neil Crowley is your go-to person for all of your needs. He can help you collect evidence and argue your case on your behalf.
By law, all passengers (including the driver) must wear a seat belt while riding in a motor
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