The starting date of 536 ad is, I believe, the date of Cassiodorus report on the year with no sunshine. SC that is some list at #15, thanks. This period no doubt helped destroy the weakened Roman Empire. Bad growing conditions in the central Asian steppes would have played a part in driving the “barbarians” to the gates of Rome—the Vandals, Goths, Visigoths, Avars, Huns, etc.