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.
Constantine VII
Rome
913–959
Romanos I Lekapenos
Rome
920–944
Constantine II of Scotland
Scotland
900–943
Emperor Daigo
Japan
897–930
Berengar I of Italy
Holy Roman Empire
915–924
Pope John X
Papacy
914–928
Li Siyuan
China
926–933
Abaoji
China
916–926
Æthelstan
England
927–939
Edward the Elder
England
899–924
Li Cunxu
China
923–926
Emperor Taizong of Liao
China
927–947; 947–947
Zhu Zhen
China
913–923
Pope Stephen VII
Papacy
929–931
Pope Leo VI
Papacy
928–928
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 Christopher Lekapenos
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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