It sounds like the stuff of conspiracy theories or a disaster movie: a series of volcanic eruptions kicks off a deadly pandemic. But new research suggests that such an event may indeed have happened.

Lizzie Wade Apocalypse How catastrophe transformed our world and can forge new futures 320pp. William Collins. £20. Luke Kemp Goliath’s Curse The history and future of societal collapse 592pp. Viking.

Strange phenomena have always drawn crowds and history is replete with miracles that have been witnessed by many people

The natural disaster that resulted in the prominent ancient Greek city of Helike being lost for centuries

Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot was already sidelined with one injury when a microwave caused another. At home in 2009, Broadfoot decided to poach an egg – soon he was all over the back pages. “Shell

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