Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.
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.
Denis I of Portugal
Portugal
1279–1325
Edward I of England
England
1272–1307
Osman I
Ottoman Empire
1299–1324
Kublai Khan
China
1271–1294
James II of Aragon
Spain
1291–1327
Alfonso III of Aragon
Spain
1285–1291
Philip IV of France
France
1285–1314
Orhan
Ottoman Empire
1326–1362
Afonso IV of Portugal
Portugal
1325–1357
Pope Martin IV
Papacy
1281–1285
Birger, King of Sweden
Sweden
1290–1319
Edward II of England
England
1307–1327
Robert I of Scotland
Scotland
1306–1329
Temür Khan
China
1294–1307
Ayurbarwada Buyantu Khan
China
1311–1320
Prince Morikuni
Japan (Shogunate)
1308–1333
Charles IV of France
France
1322–1328
Philip V of France
France
1316–1322
Prince Hisaaki
Japan (Shogunate)
1289–1308
Emperor Fushimi
Japan
1287–1298
Pope John XXII
Papacy
1316–1334
Emperor Go-Daigo
Japan
1318–1339
Philip III of France
France
1270–1285
Yesün Temür Khan
China
1323–1328
Emperor Hanazono
Japan
1308–1318
Külüg Khan
China
1307–1311
Pope Boniface VIII
Papacy
1295–1303
Pope Clement V
Papacy
1305–1314
Gegeen Khan
China
1320–1323
Emperor Go-Nijō
Japan
1301–1308
Magnus IV of Sweden
Sweden
1319–1364
Emperor Go-Uda
Japan
1274–1287
Margaret, Maid of Norway
Scotland
1286–1290
John of Scotland
Scotland
1292–1296
Magnus III of Sweden
Sweden
1275–1290
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 Andronikos II Palaiologos
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
A Short History of Byzantium
John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
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Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic
Tom Holland
A gripping account of the republic's last century, essential background to the imperial age.
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