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After the long, gradual inflation of the European economy, the 14th century suffered a drastic setback. The climate of Europe was changing, from what was called the Medieval Warm Period, into the Little Ice Age. The Black Plague decimated as much as a third of the overall population, largely concentrated in cities where the virus flourished and at the same time nearly extinguishing the period of great changes previously enjoyed.
The Late Middle Ages saw the end of feudal power, giving rise to nation-states governed by royalty. Wars between kingdoms such as the Hundred Years' War, left Christian nations weak against attacks from the Muslims. The Great Famine of 1315-1317, the Black Death, and various uprisings led to a breakdown of the old medieval order.
The Late Middle Ages saw the end of the Byzantine Empire as well, whose power had been waning since the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 and finally came to an end in 1453.
The development of nations united under royalty, and the urge to rebuild after the Black Death ushered in the great changes and cultural rebirth that would mark the Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries.
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