History of Europe

What else was going on in the world when crusades ended?

World Events During the End of the Crusades:

Muslim Reconquest of Spain (1212-1492):

- The Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula was ongoing during the later crusades.

- The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) was a decisive victory for the Christians, but Moorish rulers continued to control parts of Spain.

Mongol Expansion (13th-14th Centuries):

- The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan, rapidly expanded across Asia and Europe during this time.

- Mongol incursions reached Eastern Europe and the Middle East, including the defeat of several crusader states and the capture of Jerusalem in 1244.

Formation of the Ottoman Empire (Early 14th Century):

- The Ottoman Turks emerged as a powerful force in Anatolia and gradually conquered territories previously held by the Byzantine Empire and crusader states.

Black Death (1347-1351):

- The bubonic plague, known as the Black Death, devastated Europe during this period, causing significant population loss and disruptions to political, economic, and religious life.

Hundred Years' War (1337-1453):

- A prolonged conflict between England and France, marked by military campaigns, political disputes, and internal strife.

Great Schism (1378-1417):

- A papal schism occurred within the Catholic Church, resulting in rival claimants to the papacy and contributing to religious instability and conflicts.

Chinese Exploration (1405-1433):

- Under the Ming Dynasty, Chinese explorers such as Zheng He led maritime expeditions to Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and beyond.

Renaissance and Cultural Developments:

- The period witnessed a resurgence of classical learning, art, literature, and scientific exploration in Europe, commonly referred to as the Renaissance.