A geoarchaeological discovery in Iceland has bolstered the theory that a mini ice age preceding the fall of Rome was linked to historical events worldwide.
Ancient Rocks Boost Case for Mini Ice Age Linked to Fall of Rome
Unusual rocks on an Icelandic beach, carried by icebergs from Greenland, have added to evidence that a ‘mini ice age‘ preceded the collapse of the Roman Empire. This period of unusually cold weather in Europe, spanning around AD 540-700, has been linked to various historical events worldwide.
A mini ice age is a period of abnormally cold temperatures, typically lasting for several decades.
These events occur when the Earth's climate system experiences fluctuations in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, or changes in ocean currents.
The Little Ice Age (1550-1850) was one notable example, characterized by glacial advances and crop failures.
Mini ice ages are often compared to full-scale ice ages, but they have distinct causes and effects on the environment.
The Discovery
A team of researchers, led by Professor Christopher Spencer, explored a beach on Iceland‘s west coast due to satellite photos indicating its lighter color compared to other beaches in the area. Upon walking in the region, Spencer noticed cobble-sized granite stones that were not native to Iceland. Further analysis confirmed these rocks originated from various locations in Greenland, approximately 300 kilometers away.
The Icebergs’ Journey
The rocks were carried by icebergs calving from glaciers in Greenland and washed up on the beach. This layer of the beach has been dated to around AD 500-700. Although icebergs occasionally reach this area, Greenland rocks have not been found in other layers of the beach, suggesting that many icebergs were present during this period.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.
It covers approximately 811,000 square miles, making it the world's largest island.
The terrain is predominantly ice cap, with a small coastal area covered in tundra and fjords.
Greenland's climate is polar, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
Temperatures can drop as low as -34°C (-29°F) in winter and rise to 10°C (50°F) in summer.
The Climate Connection
The discovery ties in with evidence for a Late Antique Little Ice Age, a colder period sometimes referred to as the ‘mini ice age.’ While the cause of this event is unclear, Spencer believes it was triggered by orbital changes affecting how much solar heat reaches Earth. This climate change has been linked to various historical events, including the fall of civilizations such as the Northern Wei dynasty in China and the decline of Teotihuacan in Central America.
Implications
The extent to which climate changes contributed to events like the fall of Rome remains debated. However, growing evidence suggests that climate fluctuations had a significant impact on the fate of many civilizations. The discovery of these ancient rocks provides further insight into this period and its potential influence on human history.
The fall of Rome occurred in 476 CE, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.
This decline was due to a combination of internal corruption, external pressures from barbarian tribes, and economic strain.
The empire's military became weakened, allowing various groups to invade and occupy territories.
In 410 CE, the Visigoths, led by Alaric, sacked 'Rome' , and in 455 CE, the Vandals did the same.
The Western Roman Empire was eventually divided into smaller kingdoms, while the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, survived for another thousand years.
- newscientist.com | Ancient rocks boost case for mini ice age linked to fall of Rome
