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.
Henry V of England
England
1413–1422
Mehmed I
Ottoman Empire
1413–1421
Ashikaga Yoshimochi
Japan (Shogunate)
1395–1423
John I of Portugal
Portugal
1385–1433
Charles VI of France
France
1380–1422
Yongle Emperor
China
1402–1424
Manuel II Palaiologos
Rome
1391–1425
James I of Scotland
Scotland
1406–1437
Emperor Shōkō
Japan
1412–1428
Erik of Pomerania
Sweden
1396–1434; 1435–1436; 1436–1439
Alfonso V of Aragon
Spain
1416–1458
Ferdinand I of Aragon
Spain
1412–1416
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 Anna of Moscow
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.
Find on Amazon
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