LOCATION
THE LOCATION AND THE STORY BEHIND IT
1783- The deadliest volcanic eruption in human history and the start of the French revolution and modern democracy
Just over 200 years ago, a large volcano, Lakagígar, erupted in Iceland wreaking widespread havoc. The eruption lasted for more than 8 months, spewing lava and poisonous gases into the atmosphere. The eruption devastated Iceland, ultimately killing 25% of Icelanders and decimating farms, but widely impacted other nations. The haze of dust and sulphur particles emitted from the volcano carried over much of the northern hemisphere, having a dramatic effect on the world´s climate and crops. In fact, some say that the famine that followed in France became a major factor in the build-up to the French Revolution of 1789.
