The volcanic winters following 536 CE for a century were the most severe and protracted episode of climatic cooling in the Northern Hemisphere in the last 2,000 years. The volcanic winter was caused by at least three simultaneous eruptions of uncertain origin, with several possible locations proposed in various continents. The presentation is based on a forthcoming book 536 CE: The Impact of the Late Antique Little Ice Age on Mesoamerica, edited by Joel Gunn. It is a locally well-balanced survey of Mesoamerican responses to the Late Antique Little Ice Age (LALIA, 536-660 CE). Comprehensiveness of responses is comparable to that of the world at large that emerges from the great range of elevations between human habitats in Mesoamerica. The range of effects spans from improving conditions at Chalchuapa/Tazumal and Copan sample points, to sharply declining conditions to the point of abandonment in Teotihuacan.
Dr. Joel D. Gunn is a professional anthropologist with 40 years of postgraduate experience in the field. His background includes teaching at major universities, administration, pure research, and applied anthropology/ archaeology. His field experience encompasses cultures in the southeastern United States, Mesoamerica, Southern Europe and Cyprus. Dr. Gunn’s areas of emphasis include global climate change as it affects local cultures, ecologies, and landscapes.
This program was hosted by Jim Reed. To subscribe to free monthly issues of The Aztlander: E-Magazine of the Americas, contact Jim Reed at mayaman@bellsouth.net
17 июн 2024
