Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
Judith Herrin
Alexios I, the Komnenian restoration and the appeal that launched the First Crusade.
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.
Alfonso VI of León and Castile
Spain
1081–1109
Blot-Sweyn
Sweden
1084–1118
Henry IV
Holy Roman Empire
1084–1106
William the Conqueror
England
1081–1087
Inge the Younger
Sweden
1105–1118
Philip I of France
France
1081–1108
Henry V
Holy Roman Empire
1111–1118
Urraca of León
Spain
1109–1111
Henry I of England
England
1100–1118
Emperor Huizong of Song
China
1100–1118
Emperor Horikawa
Japan
1087–1107
Emperor Zhezong of Song
China
1085–1100
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1081–1101
Pope Paschal II
Papacy
1099–1118
William II of England
England
1087–1100
Emperor Tianzuo of Liao
China
1101–1118
Louis VI of France
France
1108–1118
Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1081–1093
Alexander I of Scotland
Scotland
1107–1118
Emperor Toba
Japan
1107–1118
Pope Urban II
Papacy
1088–1099
Edgar, King of Scotland
Scotland
1097–1107
Philip of Sweden
Sweden
1105–1118
Emperor Shenzong of Song
China
1081–1085
Emperor Taizu of Jin
China
1115–1118
Emperor Shirakawa
Japan
1081–1087
Pope Gregory VII
Papacy
1081–1085
Donald III of Scotland
Scotland
1094–1097
Edmund of Scotland
Scotland
1094–1097
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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Further Reading
Well-regarded biographies and histories to go deeper on Alexios I Komnenos's life and times.
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