A video to learn about the link between volcanic forcing of global climate and the English food crisis of 1258.
Students will learn and discuss topics in medieval economic history: the mega-eruption of the Samalas Volcano in Indonesia; its effects on global climate; the devastating consequences on weather, harvests, and food; and the resulting English food crisis in 1258.
Use this tool to help your students find answers to:
- What is the link between volcanic eruptions and global climate?
- What is the link between climate change and the English food crisis?
About the Tool
Tool Name | Global climates, the 1257 mega-eruption of Samalas Volcano, Indonesia, and the 1258 English food crisis |
Discipline | Humanities |
Topic(s) in Discipline | Climate and History |
Climate Topic | Climate and the Anthroposphere; Climate and History |
Type of Tool | Video |
Grade Level | Undergraduate |
Language | English |
Translation | |
Developed by | Bruce Campbell (The Queen’s University of Belfast) |
Hosted at | Talk at Royal Historical Society |
Link | https://royalhistsoc.org/global-climates-campbell/ |
Access | Online |
Computer Skills | Basic |

1257 Samalas Eruption
( Image : Wikipedia)