The Great Famine was a major famine that afflicted much of Northern Europe in the early 14th century.

It was triggered by a period of severe and persistent bad weather, including unusually cold temperatures and torrential rains, that began in 1315.

The weather led to widespread and repeated crop failures for several years in a row.

This resulted in mass starvation, malnutrition, and a sharp increase in disease.

The famine caused a demographic crisis, killing an estimated 10% to 25% of the population in some areas.

Food prices soared, and there were reports of extreme social breakdown, including cannibalism.

Livestock were also affected by disease and lack of fodder, further crippling the agricultural economy.

Medieval governments were unable to cope with the scale of the crisis.

The famine weakened the population, making them more susceptible to the later devastation of the Black Death.

It marked the end of the period of growth and prosperity known as the Medieval Warm Period.