Great Famine (1315-1317)

The Great Famine of 1315-1317 was a devastating food crisis that affected much of Northern Europe, particularly England and France. Following a series of unusually heavy rains, crop yields plummeted, leading to widespread shortages of food. This resulted in severe hunger, malnutrition, and millions of deaths. The famine was exacerbated by social factors, such as rising population pressures and economic challenges. As desperate measures took hold, people resorted to selling possessions, consuming animals, and even cannibalism. The Great Famine marked a significant turning point in medieval society, impacting agriculture, economies, and social structures for years to come.