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.
Henry II of England
England
1154–1189
Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214
Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196
Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185
Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195
Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1189
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190
William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214
Louis VII of France
France
1137–1180
Manuel I Komnenos
Rome
1143–1180
Pope Alexander III
Papacy
1159–1181
Sancho I of Portugal
Portugal
1185–1211
Karl Sverkersson
Sweden
1161–1167
Philip II of France
France
1180–1223
Emperor Takakura
Japan
1168–1180
Isaac II Angelos
Rome
1185–1195; 1203–1204
Emperor Go-Toba
Japan
1183–1198
Emperor Antoku
Japan
1180–1185
Alexios II Komnenos
Rome
1180–1183
Andronikos I Komnenos
Rome
1183–1185
Malcolm IV of Scotland
Scotland
1153–1165
Pope Lucius III
Papacy
1181–1185
Emperor Nijō
Japan
1158–1165
Emperor Rokujō
Japan
1165–1168
Pope Urban III
Papacy
1185–1187
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 Xiaozong 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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