
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 most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Emperor Wu of Liang
China
502–549

Justinian I
Rome
527–565

Theodora
Rome
527–548
Emperor Wen of Western Wei
China
535–551

Pope Vigilius
Papacy
537–555

Emperor Kinmei
Japan
539–571

Emperor Senka
Japan
536–539

Emperor Ankan
Japan
531–535

Pope John II
Papacy
533–535

Pope Agapetus I
Papacy
535–536
Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei
China
532–535
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
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Recommended read
John Keay
Keay's sweeping narrative from the Shang dynasty to the People's Republic in one readable volume.
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