The 

The Great Famine of 1315–1317 (occasionally dated 1315–1322) was the first of

a series of large-scale crises that struck Europe early in the 14th century. Most of Europe
(extending east to Russia and south to Italy) was affected. [1] The famine caused many
deaths over an extended number of years and marked a clear end to the period of growth
and prosperity from the 11th to the 13th centuries.[2]

From the Apocalypse in a Biblia Pauperum illuminated at Erfurt around the time of the Great Famine.
Death sits astride a manticore whose long tail ends in a ball of flame (Hell). Famine points to her hungry
mouth.

The Great Famine started with bad weather in spring 1315. Crop failures lasted through
1316 until the summer harvest in 1317, and Europe did not fully recover until 1322. Crop
failures were not the only problem; cattle disease caused sheep and cattle numbers to
fall as much as 80%. The period was marked by extreme levels of crime, disease, mass
death, and even cannibalism and infanticide. The crisis had consequences for the Church,
state, European society, and for future calamities to follow in the 14th century.
of 1315–1317 (occasionally dated 1315–1322) was the first of a series of large-scale crises that
struck Europe early in the 14th century. Most of Europe (extending east to Russia and south to Italy) was
affected.[1] The famine caused many deaths over an extended number of years and marked a clear end
to the period of growth and prosperity from the 11th to the 13th centuries.[2]

From the Apocalypse in a Biblia Pauperum illuminated at Erfurt around the time of the Great Famine.
Death sits astride a manticore whose long tail ends in a ball of flame (Hell). Famine points to her hungry
mouth.
The Great Famine started with bad weather in spring 1315. Crop failures lasted through 1316 until the
summer harvest in 1317, and Europe did not fully recover until 1322. Crop failures were not the only
problem; cattle disease caused sheep and cattle numbers to fall as much as 80%. The period was marked
by extreme levels of crime, disease, mass death, and even cannibalism and infanticide. The crisis had
consequences for the Church, state, European society, and for future calamities to follow in the 14th
century.