Avignon Papal Court (1340s)

Timeline

1. 1342–1344Papal Palace · AvignonAfter Clement VI was elected pope in 1342, he kept the papal court at Avignon, expanded the papal palace, and enlarged the College of Cardinals and administrative offices, making it one of the most splendid courts in Europe at the time.
2. 1344–1347Avignon · AvignonThe papal court vigorously sponsored murals and music while maintaining expenses through the sale of offices, tithes, and credit dealings with Italian bankers; Avignon became a key node linking French royal power, the papacy, and Florentine financial circles.
3. 1348–1350Avignon · AvignonIn 1348 the Black Death entered Provence via Marseille and heavily struck Avignon; the papal court organized some relief and religious ceremonies but could not prevent mass death; the plague further damaged papal finances and the authority of the European Church.