
Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

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

Henry I of France
France
1031–1060

Edward the Confessor
England
1042–1066

Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063

Emperor Go-Reizei
Japan
1045–1068
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1055–1101

Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1058–1093
Emund the Old
Sweden
1050–1060

Antipope Benedict X
Papacy
1058–1059

Pope Nicholas II
Papacy
1059–1061

Lulach
Scotland
1057–1058

Pope Stephen IX
Papacy
1057–1058

Michael VI Bringas
Rome
1056–1057
Pope Victor II
Papacy
1055–1057
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
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
Find on Amazon
Tom Holland
A gripping account of the republic's last century, essential background to the imperial age.
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