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.
Clovis I
France
481–511
Justinian I
Rome
527–565
Theodora
Rome
527–548
Emperor Keitai
Japan
507–531
Anastasius I
Rome
491–518
Ariadne
Rome
474–475; 476–515
Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei
China
534–550
Justin I
Rome
518–527
Emperor Wen of Western Wei
China
535–551
Pope Symmachus
Papacy
498–514
Pope Vigilius
Papacy
537–555
Emperor Xiaoming of Northern Wei
China
515–528
Emperor Xuanwu of Northern Wei
China
499–515
Emperor Kinmei
Japan
539–571
Pope Hormisdas
Papacy
514–523
Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei
China
528–531
Emperor Buretsu
Japan
499–507
Emperor Ankan
Japan
531–535
Pope Felix IV
Papacy
526–530
Emperor Senka
Japan
536–539
Pope John I
Papacy
523–526
Pope John II
Papacy
533–535
Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei
China
532–535
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 Wu of Liang
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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