Скачать или смотреть The Hunger Stones |

Hunger stones are large rocks or boulders typically found in riverbeds that become visible during periods of extreme drought when water levels are exceptionally low. These stones have been used historically, particularly in Europe, as markers or warnings of impending famine due to low water levels, which often signaled a poor harvest or water shortage. When the stones were exposed, it was a sign of a significant drought that could lead to widespread hunger.

The stones often bear inscriptions, some dating back centuries, with messages like "If you see me, weep," a grim reminder of the hardship that follows drought conditions. These warnings were meant to serve as a reminder of past droughts and to alert future generations to prepare for difficult times. Many of the hunger stones, especially in countries like Germany and the Czech Republic, were carved during droughts in the 15th through 19th centuries.

These stones are a unique historical record of the connection between natural events and human suffering, symbolizing the fragility of agricultural societies dependent on consistent water supply.