On June 8, 1783, a large crack formed in the Laki Craters, a volcanic fissure in southern Iceland. It released massive amounts of lava and toxic gases. The eruption, together with the nearby Grimsvötn volcano, lasted eight months. Within two years, 20% of Iceland’s population, 50% of its cattle, 80% of sheep, and 30% of horses had died. The ash clouds spread to Europe, causing crop failures for years. The event led to widespread famine and contribed to the French Revolution in 1789.