Extraordinary hydro-climatic events during the period AD 200−300 recorded by slackwater deposits in the upper Hanjiang River valley, China

► Palaeoflood slackwater deposits were identified along the upper Hanjiang River. ► Peak discharge was estimated to be 65,400 m3 s− 1 using the slope-area method. ► Extraordinary flood events were dated to A.D. 200−300 using OSL method. ► Flood events are closely related to a global climatic event during A.D. 150−350. ► New data in understanding rivers' responses to global change are presented.