Myöhäiskeskiaika

Myöhäiskeskiaika refers to the period in European history roughly spanning from the late 13th century to the late 15th century. This era followed the High Middle Ages and preceded the Renaissance. It was a time of significant change and development across various aspects of European society, including political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.

Politically, the late medieval period saw the consolidation of monarchical power in many kingdoms, though often with challenges from powerful nobility. The Hundred Years' War between England and France was a defining conflict of this era, shaping national identities and military developments. The influence of the Catholic Church remained strong, though it faced internal crises like the Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism, which diminished its universal authority.

Economically, despite periods of crisis such as the Black Death, which devastated populations and disrupted trade, the late Middle Ages also witnessed growth in urban centers and commerce. New trade routes emerged, and banking and financial instruments became more sophisticated. Guilds played a crucial role in regulating crafts and trade within towns.

Socially, the feudal system, while still present, began to evolve. The rise of a merchant class and the increasing importance of towns altered traditional hierarchies. Peasant life remained challenging, with periods of hardship exacerbated by famine, disease, and war.

Culturally, the late Middle Ages saw the development of vernacular literature, the flourishing of scholasticism in universities, and advancements in architecture, particularly Gothic styles. The seeds of the Renaissance were sown during this period, with renewed interest in classical learning and a changing worldview that would profoundly shape the following centuries.