Recommended read
China: A History
John Keay
Keay's sweeping narrative from the Shang dynasty to the People's Republic in one readable volume.
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.
Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1022
Cnut the Great
England
1016–1035
Basil II
Rome
976–1025
Robert II of France
France
996–1031
Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1014–1024
Eric the Victorious
Sweden
970–995
Otto III
Holy Roman Empire
996–1002
Æthelred the Unready
England
978–1013; 1014–1016
Conrad II
Holy Roman Empire
1027–1039
Anund Jacob
Sweden
1022–1050
Emperor Zhenzong of Song
China
997–1022
Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1034
Emperor Ichijō
Japan
986–1011
Emperor Taizong of Song
China
976–997
Hugh Capet of France
France
987–996
Emperor Go-Ichijō
Japan
1016–1036
Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063
Kenneth II of Scotland
Scotland
971–995
Pope Benedict VIII
Papacy
1012–1024
Pope John XV
Papacy
985–996
Kenneth III of Scotland
Scotland
997–1005
Constantine VIII
Rome
1025–1028
Romanos III Argyros
Rome
1028–1034
Pope John XIX
Papacy
1024–1032
Emperor Sanjō
Japan
1011–1016
Pope John XVIII
Papacy
1003–1009
Pope Sylvester II
Papacy
999–1003
Pope Gregory V
Papacy
996–999
Pope Sergius IV
Papacy
1009–1012
Ring of Sweden
Sweden
993–1000
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 Shengzong of Liao
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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