ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Fourteenth Century

The fourteenth century was a pivotal period in world history, spanning from January 1, 1301 to December 31, 1400 according to the Gregorian calendar and falling within the Middle Ages. This era witnessed significant events that shaped the course of human civilization.

In Europe, the Ottoman Empire expanded its territories, exerting control over the Balkan Peninsula, including present-day Bulgaria, Serbia, and parts of Hungary. The empire's expansion was marked by several key battles, including the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, where it defeated the Serbian army, and the subsequent subjugation of Bulgaria. The Ottoman Empire also reached the borders of Hungary, prompting King Louis I to seek aid from Western Europe and Pope Boniface VIII.

In response to this threat, a new Crusade was launched against the Ottomans, but European armies were ultimately defeated at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. Meanwhile, the Black Death ravaged Europe, killing an estimated one-third of its population. This devastating pandemic had far-reaching consequences for European society and economy.

In other parts of the world, significant events also took place during this century. In China, the Yuan dynasty collapsed, leading to the establishment of the Northern Yuan dynasty in Mongolia. Japan experienced a period of civil war between the northern and southern emperors, marking the end of the Kamakura period and the beginning of the Muromachi period.

In Europe, the Hundred Years' War continued between England and France after King Edward III claimed the French throne following the death of his uncle Charles IV. The conflict would last for nearly a century, causing significant loss of life and economic disruption.

Key Events

Several key events took place during this century:

* 1301: Andrew III, King of Hungary and Croatia, died in January, succeeded by Wenceslaus III, who also became the heir to the Kingdom of Bohemia.
* 1303: Sultan Mahmud Ghazan attempted to conquer Syria but was defeated by Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun at the Battle of Shajarat al-Durr in April.
* 1305: Wenceslaus II, King of Bohemia and Poland, died in June, succeeded by his son Charles Robert as king of both countries.
* 1306: Charles Robert was assassinated in August, leading to a dispute over the throne between him and Henry of Carinthia.

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