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.
Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214
Sancho I of Portugal
Portugal
1185–1211
Peter II of Aragon
Spain
1196–1213
John, King of England
England
1199–1216
Richard I of England
England
1189–1199
Philip II of France
France
1180–1223
Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196
William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214
Minamoto no Yoritomo
Japan (Shogunate)
1192–1199
Minamoto no Sanetomo
Japan (Shogunate)
1203–1219
Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195
Emperor Ningzong of Song
China
1194–1224
Minamoto no Yoriie
Japan (Shogunate)
1202–1203
Sverker II of Sweden
Sweden
1195–1208
Erik Knutsson
Sweden
1208–1216
Emperor Tsuchimikado
Japan
1198–1210
Pope Innocent III
Papacy
1198–1216
Alexios III Angelos
Rome
1195–1203
Emperor Go-Toba
Japan
1183–1198
Henry VI
Holy Roman Empire
1191–1197
Isaac II Angelos
Rome
1185–1195; 1203–1204
Emperor Guangzong of Song
China
1189–1194
Pope Celestine III
Papacy
1191–1198
Theodore I Laskaris
Rome
1205–1222
Constantine Laskaris
Rome
1204–1205
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190
Pope Clement III
Papacy
1188–1191
Nicholas Laskaris
Rome
1208–1210
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 Zhangzong of Jin
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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