1390s

The 1390s was a decade marked by significant political, cultural, and military events across much of Europe, Asia, and parts of the Americas. In Europe, the Hundred Years' War between England and France continued to dominate the continent, with key battles such as the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 shaping the conflict. France saw the rise of the Burgundian dynasty, while England experienced internal strife, including the Wars of the Roses, which would later define the 15th century.

In the Holy Roman Empire, Emperor Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia was crowned in 1398, though his reign was overshadowed by the Black Death’s lingering effects and the decline of central authority. Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire expanded rapidly, conquering Constantinople in 1453, which marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire’s dominance in the Mediterranean.

In Asia, the Ming Dynasty in China faced internal challenges, including rebellions and economic struggles, while the Delhi Sultanate in India experienced political fragmentation. The Mongol Empire, though weakened, persisted in parts of Central Asia, and the Timurid Empire under Timur (Tamerlane) rose as a major power in Persia and Central Asia.

Culturally, the Renaissance began to take root in Italy, with artists like Giotto and later Brunelleschi pioneering new techniques in painting and architecture. The 1390s also saw the rise of humanism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the value of human potential and achievements. In the Americas, indigenous civilizations like the Maya and Aztec continued their traditions, though European contact would soon alter their futures.

Economically, the decline of the Black Death led to labor shortages and increased wages in some regions, though feudal systems remained dominant. Trade routes, particularly those connecting Europe and Asia, were gradually expanding, facilitating cultural and economic exchanges.

Overall, the 1390s were a transitional period, bridging the medieval and early modern eras, with lasting impacts on politics, culture, and global connections.