14th15thcentury

The 14th and 15th centuries span roughly 1300–1500. It was a period of upheaval, consolidation, and cultural change across Afro-Eurasia, with demographic shocks, state-building, and early modern transformations.

The Black Death (1347–1351) devastated Europe and parts of Asia, triggering labor shifts, price changes, and social unrest. The aftermath varied by region but deepened long-term economic and political change.

In Europe, the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453) redrew borders and loyalties; the Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism (1378–1417) reflected religious-political conflict. The Byzantine Empire collapsed with the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

In Asia and the Middle East, Timurids controlled vast areas; the Ming dynasty unified China in 1368 and promoted long-term projects such as early voyages by Zheng He and the construction of major urban centers. The Ottoman state expanded from Anatolia into southeastern Europe, precursing imperial growth.

Culture and science: The Italian Renaissance began in the late 14th century, reviving classical learning. The mid-15th century saw the advent of movable type in Europe and increased printing. In scholarship, astronomy and mathematics advanced alongside humanist thought.

Global connections began to intensify, with European exploration between the late 15th century and early 16th, including voyages that linked continents and set the stage for colonial empires.