Events and trends The Black Death spread across Europe. Before, it'd 74 millions inhabitants of the some 442 in the whole world. Growth of power of the Byzantine aristocracy at expenses of the imperial power. 1340 - The Battle of Sluys was fought between the naval fleets of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. 1342 - The English destroyed Genoese galley squadron at Brest; widespread breakdown of order in southern France. 1342 - Clement VI succeeds Benedict XII as pope. 1344… (More on 1340s)