Month: February 2016

Crises of the 14th Century, part 3 – The Western Schism and Babylonian Captivity

Along with the crises of the Black Plague which devastated much of Europe and crippled society and the 100 Years War, which cost hundreds of lives on both sides of the conflict, the Western Schism affected the Papacy and its effective rule over Christendom.  It began with the Babylonian Captivity which moved the seat of … Continue reading Crises of the 14th Century, part 3 – The Western Schism and Babylonian Captivity →

Crises of the 14th Century, Part 2: The 100 Years War

The 100 Years war between England and France over the right to rule tore apart two of Europe's most notable powers and often had tragic, horrific consequences.  An epic, late medieval power struggle began as the succession of the throne of France came under dispute.  Although England displayed stunning successive victories, the outcome of the … Continue reading Crises of the 14th Century, Part 2: The 100 Years War →

Crises of the 14th Century, part 1 – The Bubonic Plague

There’s nothing like cheering up your day with a little light reading on the bubonic plague – the scourge that swept through Eurasia, the Middle East and Europe and eliminated up to 1/3 of the population as it went. Although precise death counts will never be possible due to inflated numbers due to panic, 1/3 … Continue reading Crises of the 14th Century, part 1 – The Bubonic Plague →

Tampa Explorations – Ybor and the Carnival

My wife and I went on our traditional, post-tax refund trip to Tampa today to visit Ikea and pick up some new furniture for the house.  Since I disdain driving on interstates, we try to take the back roads to Tampa from our home in Clearwater as much as possible.  Thankfully, this is usually possible, … Continue reading Tampa Explorations – Ybor and the Carnival →