1380 CE
A year defined by the Russian victory at the Battle of Kulikovo, the first major defeat of Mongol forces by a Russian army, and the death of King Charles V of France, which left the French throne in the hands of the child king Charles VI.
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
- King Charles V of France died on September 16, leaving the throne to his twelve-year-old son Charles VI, whose minority would be dominated by his ambitious uncles.
- The regency of the young Charles VI was contested among the Dukes of Anjou, Berry, Burgundy, and Bourbon, each pursuing his own political agenda at the expense of royal authority.
Conflict & Security
- The Battle of Kulikovo was fought on September 8 near the Don River, where Grand Prince Dmitry of Moscow led a coalition of Russian principalities to a decisive victory over the Golden Horde under Mamai.
- The Russian victory at Kulikovo, though later avenged by the Mongols, demonstrated that the Golden Horde could be defeated and established Moscow as the leading power among the Russian principalities.
- Grand Prince Dmitry earned the epithet Donskoy for his victory at Kulikovo, which became a foundational event in Russian national consciousness.
Climate & Environment
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 272 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.
Culture & Society
- The estimated world population was approximately 350 million.