The Lopingian, the last era of the Permian period, was a fascinating and terrifying time in Earth’s history. Spanning from 259 million years ago to 252 million years ago. This period marked the end of an era before the most devastating biological catastrophe ever recorded: the Permian-Triassic mass extinction.

During this time, the Earth was profoundly transformed. The continents were united in the immense supercontinent Pangaea and surrounded by the vast superocean Panthalassa. Extreme contrasts marked the dynamics of land and marine life.

Curiously, unlike any other time in history, during this brief period, the water was much safer than the Earth because while the water had few dangerous creatures, the Earth’s surface was full of deadly animals and lethal predators much deadlier than dinosaurs.

In the Lopingian, the Moon was closer to Earth, causing unique effects. Due to a faster planetary rotation, days lasted just 22 hours, while colossal tides shaped coastal landscapes and ecosystems unpredictably.