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.
Clovis I
France
481–511
Childeric I
France
458–481
Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei
China
471–499
Anastasius I
Rome
491–518
Zeno
Rome
474–475; 476–491
Emperor Wu of Liang
China
502–549
Xiao Baojuan
China
489–502
Pope Symmachus
Papacy
498–514
Emperor Xuanwu of Northern Wei
China
499–515
Emperor Ninken
Japan
488–498
Emperor Wu of Southern Qi
China
482–493
Emperor Buretsu
Japan
499–507
Emperor Keitai
Japan
507–531
Pope Felix III
Papacy
483–492
Emperor Gao of Southern Qi
China
479–482
Pope Simplicius
Papacy
468–483
Emperor Seinei
Japan
480–484
Pope Gelasius I
Papacy
492–496
Emperor Yūryaku
Japan
457–479
Emperor Kenzō
Japan
485–487
Emperor Ming of Southern Qi
China
494–498
Pope Anastasius II
Papacy
496–498
Emperor Shun of Liu Song
China
477–479
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 Ariadne
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.
Find on Amazon
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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