Recommended read
Imperial Spain, 1469–1716
J. H. Elliott
Elliott's classic on the rise of the Spanish monarchy and its global empire.
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.
Franz Joseph I of Austria
Austria
1848–1916
Emperor Meiji
Japan
1867–1912
Wilhelm I
Prussia
1861–1888
William III of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1849–1890
Alexander II of Russia
Russia
1855–1881
Victoria
Great Britain
1837–1901
Guangxu Emperor
China
1875–1908
Luís I of Portugal
Portugal
1861–1889
Abdul Hamid II
Ottoman Empire
1876–1909
Oscar II of Sweden
Sweden
1872–1907
Pope Leo XIII
Papacy
1878–1903
Alexander III of Russia
Russia
1881–1894
Pope Pius IX
Papacy
1846–1878
Abdulaziz
Ottoman Empire
1861–1876
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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From the library
Go deeper on Alfonso XII of Spain
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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