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
502–511
Justinian I
Rome
527–549
Theodora
Rome
527–548
Emperor Keitai
Japan
507–531
Anastasius I
Rome
502–518
Ariadne
Rome
502–515
Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei
China
534–549
Justin I
Rome
518–527
Emperor Wen of Western Wei
China
535–549
Pope Symmachus
Papacy
502–514
Pope Vigilius
Papacy
537–549
Emperor Xiaoming of Northern Wei
China
515–528
Emperor Xuanwu of Northern Wei
China
502–515
Emperor Kinmei
Japan
539–549
Pope Hormisdas
Papacy
514–523
Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei
China
528–531
Emperor Buretsu
Japan
502–507
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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