1310s facts for kids

The 1310s were a time of big changes in Europe, especially with the weather and how people practiced their religion. This decade saw a major food shortage and challenges for the main church.

What Happened in the 1310s?

The Great Famine: A Time of Hunger

From 1315 to 1317, Europe faced a terrible event called the Great Famine of 1315–1317. This was a period when there was not enough food for everyone. The main reason for this famine was a change in the weather.

How Climate Change Caused Hunger

Europe experienced very cold and wet weather for several years. This made it hard for farmers to grow crops like wheat and barley. The constant rain ruined harvests, and the ground became too soggy for planting.

Effects of the Famine on People

Because crops failed, food became very scarce and expensive. Many people suffered from hunger and illness. This famine affected a large part of Europe, leading to a lot of hardship and even death for many families.

Religious Challenges: The Fraticelli

During the 1310s, a group called the Fraticelli caused issues for the Roman Catholic Church. The Fraticelli were a group of monks and followers who believed in living a very strict and poor life.

What the Fraticelli Believed

The Fraticelli thought that the Church and its leaders should be much poorer. They believed that true Christians should give up all their possessions. They felt that the Church had become too wealthy and powerful.

Why They Challenged the Church

Their strong beliefs about poverty went against the way the official Roman Catholic Church was organized at the time. The Church saw the Fraticelli as a challenge to its authority and teachings. This led to disagreements and problems between the group and the Church leaders.