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.
William the Conqueror
England
1066–1087
Alfonso VI of León and Castile
Spain
1072–1109
Philip I of France
France
1060–1108
Alexios I Komnenos
Rome
1081–1118
Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1058–1093
Emperor Shenzong of Song
China
1067–1085
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1055–1101
Henry IV
Holy Roman Empire
1084–1106
Pope Gregory VII
Papacy
1073–1085
Blot-Sweyn
Sweden
1084–1118
Michael VII Doukas
Rome
1067–1078
Konstantios Doukas
Rome
1060–1078
Nikephoros III Botaneiates
Rome
1078–1081
Emperor Zhezong of Song
China
1085–1100
Anund Gårdske
Sweden
1070–1075
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 Shirakawa
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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