Little Ice Age

Little Ice Age

• A period of cooler and wetter climate beginning in the late 13th century and intensifying in the 14th century.
• Average temperatures declined, with colder winters and cooler summers.
• Increased rainfall and frequent extreme weather events (storms, floods).
• Shorter growing seasons and repeated crop failures.
• The Great Famine of 1315–1317 was directly linked to prolonged cold and heavy rains.
• Agricultural yields fell, leading to food shortages and rising prices.
• Malnutrition weakened the population, making society more vulnerable to diseases such as the plague.
• Marginal lands (highlands, poor soils) were abandoned as farming became unprofitable.
• Livestock losses increased due to harsh winters and lack of fodder.
• The climatic deterioration contributed to long-term economic, demographic, and social crisis in Europe.