
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.

Edward III of England
England
1327–1377

Orhan
Ottoman Empire
1326–1362

Afonso IV of Portugal
Portugal
1325–1357

Philip VI of France
France
1328–1350

Louis IV of Bavaria
Holy Roman Empire
1328–1347

David II of Scotland
Scotland
1329–1371

Magnus IV of Sweden
Sweden
1319–1364

Emperor Go-Daigo
Japan
1318–1339

Ashikaga Takauji
Japan (Shogunate)
1338–1358

Toghon Temür
China
1333–1368

Alfonso IV of Aragon
Spain
1327–1336

Peter IV of Aragon
Spain
1336–1387
Pope John XXII
Papacy
1316–1334

Pope Benedict XII
Papacy
1335–1342

Jayaatu Khan
China
1328–1329; 1329–1332

Edward Balliol
Scotland
1332–1336
Prince Morikuni
Japan (Shogunate)
1308–1333

Emperor Go-Murakami
Japan
1339–1368

Robert I of Scotland
Scotland
1306–1329
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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