When it was discovered that volcanoes in Alaska, Iceland and perhaps Russia erupted at the same time as the Nile was failing to flood, scientists became curious. This connection may explain why the Egyptian river was thrown so far out of it’s normal patterns for a three year period. This cool discovery shows the civil unrest in Egypt due to the famine may have been because of a volcano in Alaska.
In ancient times, it seems a volcanic eruption of enormous proportions disrupted the weather enough to affect a civilization halfway around the world.
U.S. Geological Survey | Flickr
The Ptolemaic Period was the last dynasty of ancient Egypt and lasted for 275 years, from 305 to 30 B.C. Queen Cleopatra ruled during this time.
Dennis Jarvis | Flickr
Ancient Egyptians kept very good written records on papyrus scrolls. Leases, letters, crop and weather reports have all been found from this era.
Xiquinho Silva | Flickr
Researchers have found many records of historical importance on the papyrus scrolls used as wrapping for mummification and stuffed in the tombs.
ohhenry415 | Flickr
Records show that there was a three year period where the Nile failed to flood its banks and the surrounding farmlands, robbing them of necessary moisture and nutrients. It seems the failure to flood is due to a lack of rainfall.
jev55 | Flickr
It may be possible that the planet was cooled by an enormous volcanic eruption in Alaska, as well as others in Iceland and possibly Russia.
NOAA Photo Library | Flickr
Ice core samples have shown a huge deposit of ash at this time. It is not possible to yet determine which volcano in Alaska erupted, but further studies may figure out the area more precisely.
Oregon State University | Flickr
Ash from the large volcanic eruption may have had a cooling effect on the planet and lowered temperatures. This may have led to less rain in Egypt and a lack flooding.
Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife | Flickr
After the crops started to fail, hunger spread across the land. The lack of flooding led to famine and marked a turbulent period of civil unrest and revolts.
walidhassanein | Flickr
This fascinating connection was completely unknown, and incomprehensible, to the Egyptians at the time. However, understanding this global cooling phenomenon may have applications for the present day.
NOAA Photo Library | Flickr
If you like Alaskan volcanoes, check out Few People Know This Volcanic Eruption In Alaska Blacked Out The Sky. Or try These 15 Views Of Alaska From Outer Space Will Leave You In Awe.
U.S. Geological Survey | Flickr
Dennis Jarvis | Flickr
Xiquinho Silva | Flickr
ohhenry415 | Flickr
jev55 | Flickr
NOAA Photo Library | Flickr
Oregon State University | Flickr
Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife | Flickr
walidhassanein | Flickr
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