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 Xianzong of Tang
China
805–820
Louis the Pious
France
814–840
Leo V the Armenian
Rome
813–820
Pope Leo III
Papacy
796–816
Charlemagne
France
768–814
Pope Paschal I
Papacy
817–824
Charlemagne
Holy Roman Empire
800–814
Emperor Muzong of Tang
China
820–824
Michael II
Rome
820–829
Nikephoros I
Rome
802–811
Michael I Rangabe
Rome
811–813
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
Japan (Shogunate)
797–811; 804–811
Staurakios
Rome
811–813
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 Saga
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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