The year 536 AD was likely the worst year in human history. Powerful volcanic eruptions triggered a prolonged global cooling period that led to widespread famine and disease across the planet, according to a report by the scientific journal Futura.

During 536 AD, an unusual darkness was recorded across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. According to the writings of the Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea, the sun shone without brightness throughout the entire year, resembling the moon. Climate disruption brought summer snow to China, destroying crops across vast agricultural areas.

These catastrophic conditions were caused by massive amounts of volcanic ash and sulfur being discharged into the atmosphere.

Subsequent volcanic eruptions, including the eruption of Mount Ilopango in modern-day El Salvador, further polluted the atmosphere. Blocked sunlight created long-lasting negative consequences, plunging the Northern Hemisphere into its coldest period in the last 2,000 years. Scientific analysis of tree rings showed that vegetation withered and suffered stunted growth. Prolonged crop failures led to widespread hunger, weakening populations and leaving them vulnerable to deadly diseases, scientists noted.