The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong Burning Men
Jul 25, 2023
Explore the harsh conditions of 14th Century Europe, including famines and floods. Learn about the devastating impact of the Black Death and societal turmoil. Discover the troubled reign of King Charles VI and the unraveling of his mental state. Dive into historical intrigues of Agincourt and Joan of Arc.
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Climate, Famine, And Preceding Vulnerability
- The early 14th century saw climate shifts, crop failures, and cattle pestilence that combined into widespread famine.
- These stresses likely increased mortality and weakened populations before the Black Death arrived.
Black Death's Massive Demographic Impact
- The Black Death spread from Asia to Europe in the mid-14th century and killed a massive share of the population.
- The plague's extreme virulence reshaped demographics, economies, and social structures across Eurasia.
Church Authority Undermined By Politics
- The Catholic Church's authority crumbled amid plague and political conflict, including clashes between Pope Boniface VIII and King Philip IV.
- Papal moves like the Avignon Papacy and multiple rival popes deeply undermined religious legitimacy.