[MLUG - DISCUSSION] Secrets of the Dead

[Mike Miller <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

I happened to see an episode of this tonight:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/

It was a truly spectacular account of the research leading to the 
conclusion that an eruption of Krakatau in 535 AD had world-wide massive 
effects on human cultures.  The show was based mostly on the book by David 
Keys:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Keys_%28author%29

Some writings from the time indicate that Java and Sumatra were one island 
before the explosion of Krakatau, which they think was equivalent in power 
to two billion Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs.  Here's a map:

http://tinyurl.com/2kjczm

Keys' theory is that the explosion blotted out the sun for many months and 
caused frost in summer time.  People starved and died.  The black plague 
swept Europe.  Mongolian horsemen attacked the Romans.  Aztec cities 
perished. People from Yemen relocated to Medina and Mecca and Islam was 
born.

The part that seems strongest is the connection of an eruption, probably 
of Krakatau, with global cooling and related meteorological phenomena. The 
effects on culture are harder to establish, but it all made sense. It all 
fits together neatly.

I guess this showed aired first about 8 years ago.  Someone made a web 
page with links to transcripts:

http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/history/535ad.htm

Mike

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