What do the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Thirty Years’ War and the Renaissance have in common? For one, they were all starkly affected by extreme weather conditions. Indeed, if we take a fresh look at human history in the light of Earth’s volatile climate, we can expose hidden parallels, draw surprising conclusions and explain bizarre historical conundrums. This two-parter combines natural sciences and history, a journey from the Big Bang to Iceland’s volcanoes – a gripping narrative that explores little-known connections between the Earth’s climate and major historical events. Are these extremes of weather really a 21st-century phenomenon? Or has climate determined the fate of humanity ever since amphibians took their first steps on terra firma?