Recommended read
A History of Japan to 1334
George Sansom
Sansom's foundation text for understanding early Japanese imperial institutions.
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.
Hadrian
Rome
117–138
Pope Pius I
Papacy
140–154
Pope Anicetus
Papacy
150–160
Pope Soter
Papacy
168–174
Antoninus Pius
Rome
138–161
Emperor Ling of Han
China
168–189
Marcus Aurelius
Rome
161–180
Emperor Huan of Han
China
146–168
Commodus
Rome
177–192
Lucius Verus
Rome
161–169
Pope Eleutherius
Papacy
175–189
Emperor Shun of Han
China
125–144
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 Seimu
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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.
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A Modern History of Japan
Andrew Gordon
Gordon's widely used survey from the Tokugawa shogunate through Japan's rise as a world power.
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