About this ebook
In this truly global overview, five historians from the trusted World History Encyclopedia bring to life the diverse cultures and cataclysmic events of the 14th century. From the ravages of the Black Death in European history to the glittering heights of the golden Mali Empire in Africa, this medieval history book offers an unprecedented look at a world connected by trade, faith, and a shared human experience.
Journey Across the Late Middle Ages
- Europe in Crisis: Discover the horrors of the Black Death, the Yersinia pestis pandemic that ravaged Europe, the religious turmoil of the Western Schism, and the grinding conflict of the Hundred Years' War during the Middle Ages.
- The Riches of Africa: Explore the wealth of Mansa Musa, the fabled trade of Timbuktu, and the sophisticated artistry of Ife and Benin.
- The Americas Before Contact: Dive into the pre-Columbian era with the massive urban centers of Cahokia and Moundville, the rise of the Aztec Empire in Tenochtitlán, and the legendary "Gilded One" of the Muisca.
- Oceania & Australia: Trace the Māori settlement of New Zealand (Aotearoa) and the enduring spiritual traditions of the Indigenous Australians' Dreamtime.
- Asian Empires: Follow the crumbling of the four Mongol Khanates, the rise of the Ming Dynasty in China, the brutal conquests of Timur, the cultural flourishing of the Ashikaga Shogunate in Japan, and the power struggles in India.
Why This History Matters Today
The Forsaken 14th Century aims to redress the frequent neglect of certain lesser-known regions and give a truly global view, a vision of history that illustrates the interconnectedness of events, not just in the places where the historical record is rich but in every region of the world. Through a blend of archaeological records, oral traditions, and written accounts, this global history book reveals that despite differences in language and lifestyle, the people of the fourteenth century shared our modern fears of misrule, illness, disaster, and social upheaval.
Featuring a global timeline and maps by World History Encyclopedia’s in-house cartographer Simeon Netchev, and extensive bibliographies for every region, this is an essential comparative medieval history book for students, researchers, and history enthusiasts alike.
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About the author
Ibolya Horváth is Senior Editor at World History Encyclopedia. With degrees in Communication and Media Management and in Archaeology, she has 15 years of editorial experience with both print and online publications.
Mark Cartwright is the Publishing Director of World History Encyclopedia and a professional writer, researcher, historian, and editor. With a BA in Politics and an MA in Political Philosophy, his university studies focused on political history, constitutional theory, military history, and political philosophy.
Joshua J. Mark is a Co-Founder and the Content Director of World History Encyclopedia. Having taught history courses at college level, Mark was also a part-time philosophy professor and writing instructor at Marist College, where he received a Faculty of the Year Award and the Special Services Award of Merit.
Liana Miate is a Social Media Editor and article writer for World History Encyclopedia. Holding a BA with a major in Greece, Rome, and Late Antiquity from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, her research focuses on mythology and the study of women in the ancient world.
Patit Paban Mishra, Professor of History (retired) at Sambalpur University, India, and the Northern University of Malaysia, specializes in World History with particular reference to South Asian and Southeast Asian history. With an MA in History from Delhi University and an MPhil and PhD at JNU, New Delhi, Professor Mishra has taught history for almost 38 years and is the author of over 8 books and 30 research articles.
James Blake Wiener is a Co-Founder and the former Communications Director at World History Encyclopedia, who now heads the advisory board. Originally trained as a world historian, James is a public relations professional whose focus lies in cross-cultural exchange, world history, and international relations.
Simeon Netchev is a cartographer and visual designer at World History Encyclopedia. With a BSc in Human Ecology and an MA in Global Education, his work focuses on historical cartography, visual storytelling, and educational illustration.
