Catastrophe!!

Birgitta Hoffmann

How do you identify natural catastrophes in the archaeological record?

Earthquakes, volcanoes, large droughts, meteor strikes, pandemics – how do you recognise these in the archaeological record and how do you determine if they had lasting effects on archaeological cultures?
In this loose series of day schools, we will examine what modern archaeology can tell us about the effects of natural catastrophes, both in the immediate aftermath and their long-term effects.

We will start in August with Tambora in 1815. This is in many ways the current baseline for establishing global effects of a local eruption in Indonesia. It has been widely studied, and we can now show how far the effects reached and what results they had in various states throughout the world, – and which areas appear to be not affected. This will serve as the baseline from which we will look at other natural catastrophes and their effects and possible chain reactions.

This series will be loosely structured with one lecture per term. The recordings of the day schools will remain available for those wanting to revisit them or join at a later point in time.

Planned topics:

1. Tambora 1815 – one small volcano with global repercussions – 16 August 2025. Now available as recording
2. Vesuvius and Santorini – big volcanic explosions in the Mediterranean – 18 October 2025

  1. The (other) year without summer – The ‘volcanic winter’ of 536AD. Spring 2026
  2. The earthquake of 365 and the Early Byzantine Tectonic Paroxysm. – Summer 2026
  3. Icelandic Volcanic activity and the archaeology of Iceland – Autumn 2026
  4. The end of the Bronze Age? The 3.2k event. Spring 2027

Price per dayschool: £35

Saturdays:  11.00-16.00 BS/GMT

Dates:

16  August 2025 – Tambora 1815
18 October 2025 – Vesuvius and Santorini – big volcanic explosions in the Mediterranean

Virtual Learning Environment: Zoom

Single lecture:

Price Recording of past lectures Minimum No. Maximum No.
£35 £5 8 50

You can book via the MANCENT booking form and pay with cheque or  contact Birgitta Hoffmann for the BACS details or a PayPal invoice. Alternatively, you can book through Eventbrite here

Contact:
Birgitta Hoffmann
55 Broadwalk, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5PL
email: latinteacher@btinternet.com mobile: 07377 791562