Declaration of the Electors at Rense that Germany is an independent empire over which the Pope has no jurisdiction; the diet at Frankfort ratifies the manifesto.
1339. France invaded by Edward III of England; beginning of the Hundred Years' War.
Genoa elects its first doge, Simone Boccanera.
A body of disbanded mercenaries form themselves into the first condottiere company known in Italy. The word means a captain or leader, the condottieri those under the leader. They were free lances, open to serve under any flag.
1340. Edward destroys a large French fleet at Sluys; beginning of England's naval power. See "Battle of Sluys and Crécy," vii, [78.]
War between the Hanseatic League and Denmark; the Danes defeated.
1341. Death of John III of Brittany; his brother, John of Montfort, and his niece, Jeanne de Penthièvre, wife of Charles of Blois, contest the succession; England supports the former, France the latter.
Edward Balliol retires on the return of David II to Scotland.
Petrarch is crowned with laurel at Rome. See "Modern Recognition Of Scenic Beauty," vii, [93.]
1342. Edward III pursues his campaign in Brittany; he relieves Hennebonne, besieged by the French.