1340s

The 1340s was a decade that began on 1 January 1340 and ended on 31 December 1349. It is distinct from the decade known as the 135th decade which began on January 1, 1341. and ended on December 31, 1350.

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	13th century – 14th century – 15th century
Decades:	1310s 1320s 1330s – 1340s – 1350s 1360s 1370s
Years:	1340 1341 1342 1343 1344 1345 1346 1347 1348 1349
Categories:	Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments

Deaths

• 1346, March 15 – Shah Jalal of Bengal (b. 1271)

Events and trends

• The Black Death spreads across Europe.
• The Battle of Sluys is fought between the ships of the navy of the Kingdom of England and those of the Kingdom of France.
• August 26, 1346: Edward III of England defeats Philip VI of France at the Battle of Crécy. This battle is famous for the destruction of the French cavalry by English longbowmen. This was also the first time cannons were used in battle.