At the end of the 1200s, Europe faced challenges of famine from depleted soil nutrients and colder weather due to a mini ice age. The Black Death plague began in China in 1331 and reached Europe in 1347, carried by rats and transmitted by fleas. The plague caused high fever, large purple skin blotches, and black spots around flea bites. If survived, one became immune. The plague devastated Europe, killing 1/3 of the population between 1347-1351. There was also the Hundred Years War between England and France from 1337-1453 over the English claim to the French throne, though the English were eventually driven out of France. Additionally, the French kings controlled the papacy

1. Famine, Plague, War & Popes