Recommended read
A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower
Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez
A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.
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.
Emperor Wu of Liang
China
502–549
Clovis I
France
481–511
Anastasius I
Rome
491–518
Emperor Xiaoming of Northern Wei
China
515–528
Justin I
Rome
518–527
Ariadne
Rome
474–475; 476–515
Pope Hormisdas
Papacy
514–523
Emperor Xuanwu of Northern Wei
China
499–515
Pope Symmachus
Papacy
498–514
Justinian I
Rome
527–565
Theodora
Rome
527–548
Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei
China
528–531
Pope Felix IV
Papacy
526–530
Pope John I
Papacy
523–526
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 Emperor Keitai
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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