A forthcoming paper in the Cuadernos de Investigación Geográfica details the experience of the Little Ice Age in the Western Balkans. Drawing on chronicles from several microclimates, the author shows that uncharacteristic weather occurred in all seasons of the year, which negatively impacted food production. Genuine famine seems to have been rare, however, partly because farmers began planting maize and rice (which were more tolerant of Little Ice Age conditions in the Balkans). Particularly for this area with relatively fewer natural proxy records, this paper adds valuable detail to our understanding of the Little Ice Age.
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