
Æthelred the Unready
- Life
- 968–1016
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Basil II
Rome
978–1013

Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1013

Eric the Victorious
Sweden
978–995
Otto II
Holy Roman Empire
978–983

Otto III
Holy Roman Empire
996–1002
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1013

Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1014–1016

Emperor Ichijō
Japan
986–1011

Emperor Taizong of Song
China
978–997

Robert II of France
France
996–1013

Emperor Zhenzong of Song
China
997–1013

Kenneth II of Scotland
Scotland
978–995

Hugh Capet of France
France
987–996

Pope John XV
Papacy
985–996

Kenneth III of Scotland
Scotland
997–1005

Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1013

Emperor En'yū
Japan
978–984

Pope Benedict VII
Papacy
978–983

Pope John XVIII
Papacy
1003–1009

Pope Sylvester II
Papacy
999–1003
Emperor Jingzong of Liao
China
978–982

Constantine III of Scotland
Scotland
995–997

Emperor Sanjō
Japan
1014–1016

Emperor Kazan
Japan
984–986

Pope Gregory V
Papacy
996–999

Pope Sergius IV
Papacy
1009–1012

Pope Benedict VIII
Papacy
1014–1016
Ring of Sweden
Sweden
993–1000
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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