
Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Henry II of England
England
1154–1189

Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214

Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196

Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185

Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195

Philip II of France
France
1180–1223

Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1189

Emperor Xiaozong of Song
China
1162–1189

Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190

William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214

Pope Lucius III
Papacy
1181–1185

Emperor Antoku
Japan
1180–1185

Emperor Go-Toba
Japan
1183–1198

Alexios II Komnenos
Rome
1180–1183

Isaac II Angelos
Rome
1185–1195; 1203–1204
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
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Recommended read
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
Find on Amazon
Tom Holland
A gripping account of the republic's last century, essential background to the imperial age.
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