Introducing WHAT THE FACT with Connor Tomlinson and Carter Roy, a new Rewind podcast!
Summary
This episode of "What the Fact" explores three catastrophic years in history: 1816, 1348, and 536 CE. Hosts Carter Roy and Connor discuss how the volcanic winter of 1816 led to the creation of *Frankenstein* and the bicycle, while the Black Death of 1348 reshaped European society and gave us the concept of quarantine. They conclude by analyzing 536 CE, a year marked by a mysterious volcanic fog and the Plague of Justinian, which historians deem the worst year to be alive.
Topics discussed
Intro: Pirate myths and show premise
Dinosaur joke and host introductions
Theme: Catastrophe leading to good outcomes
Sponsors: Hunger Games, LinkedIn, Venmo
1816: The Year Without a Summer
Tambora Eruption and Volcanic Winter
Volcanic winter and dinosaur extinction
Birth of Frankenstein and the Vampire
Vampire movies and invention of the bicycle
Sponsors: Hunger Games, LinkedIn, Venmo
1348: The Black Death introduction
Origins: Biological warfare at Kafa
Spread of plague across Europe
Treatments and origin of 'Quarantine'
Myths: Plague doctor mask and nursery rhymes
Aftermath: Renaissance and labor shifts
Sponsors: Hunger Games, LinkedIn, Venmo
536 CE: Justinian and Theodora
The sun goes out and crops fail
Plague of Justinian and empire collapse
Ice core evidence and volcanic cause
Final vote: Which year was the worst?
Sponsors: LinkedIn and Dexter Resurrection
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