1350

1350 was a common year in the 14th century, situated in the late Middle Ages. It occurred during a period marked by political fragmentation, social change, and the ongoing repercussions of one of the era’s defining crises: the Black Death. The pandemic, which began in 1347, had by 1350 spread across much of Europe, bringing substantial population losses, labor shortages, and economic disruption. Urban centers experienced demographic decline and shifts in agricultural practices, and authorities began to regulate wages and mobility, foreshadowing later legal measures such as the Statute of Labourers enacted in the following years.

In the broader political landscape, the Hundred Years’ War between England and France continued to shape relations and power dynamics on the continent, with campaigns and fluctuating fortunes along the frontiers. France faced internal strains as it sought to uphold crown authority amid war and plague. In the ecclesiastical sphere, the Papacy remained in Avignon as part of the Avignon Papacy, influencing religious and political life across Western Christendom during this period.

Culturally and academically, the late medieval university movement extended its reach in Central and Western Europe. Notably, Charles University in Prague had been established in 1348, contributing to scholarly activity in the Czech lands. Gothic architecture and scholastic thought remained central to religious and urban life, reflecting broader medieval tastes and intellectual currents of the time.

Beyond Europe, political entities across Eurasia and North Africa continued to consolidate and contest power. The Ottoman beyliks in Anatolia pursued expansion, while the Yuan dynasty continued to rule China, integrating diverse administrative practices. 1350 thus stands as a transitional point within the broader 14th century, marked by demographic crisis, ongoing conflict, and gradual institutional development across regions.