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.
William the Conqueror
England
1066–1087
Alfonso VI of León and Castile
Spain
1072–1109
Philip I of France
France
1060–1108
Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1058–1093
Sancho II of León and Castile
Spain
1065–1072
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1055–1101
Alexios I Komnenos
Rome
1081–1118
Henry IV
Holy Roman Empire
1084–1106
Konstantios Doukas
Rome
1060–1078
Michael VII Doukas
Rome
1067–1078
Emperor Shirakawa
Japan
1073–1087
Pope Gregory VII
Papacy
1073–1085
Blot-Sweyn
Sweden
1084–1118
Pope Alexander II
Papacy
1061–1073
Emperor Go-Sanjō
Japan
1068–1073
Nikephoros III Botaneiates
Rome
1078–1081
Romanos IV Diogenes
Rome
1068–1071
Andronikos Doukas
Rome
1068–1070
Emperor Go-Reizei
Japan
1045–1068
Anund Gårdske
Sweden
1070–1075
Halsten Stenkilsson
Sweden
1067–1070
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 Shenzong of Song
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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