Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.
Isaac II Angelos
- Life
- 1155–1204
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
Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196
Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195
Sancho I of Portugal
Portugal
1185–1211
Richard I of England
England
1189–1199
Henry II of England
England
1154–1189
Philip II of France
France
1180–1223
William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214
Emperor Go-Toba
Japan
1183–1198
Minamoto no Yoritomo
Japan (Shogunate)
1192–1199
John, King of England
England
1199–1216
Peter II of Aragon
Spain
1196–1213
Minamoto no Sanetomo
Japan (Shogunate)
1203–1219
Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185
Emperor Guangzong of Song
China
1189–1194
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190
Emperor Zhangzong of Jin
China
1189–1209
Emperor Xiaozong of Song
China
1162–1189
Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1189
Henry VI
Holy Roman Empire
1191–1197
Pope Celestine III
Papacy
1191–1198
Pope Clement III
Papacy
1188–1191
Emperor Ningzong of Song
China
1194–1224
Pope Urban III
Papacy
1185–1187
Andronikos I Komnenos
Rome
1183–1185
Alexios III Angelos
Rome
1195–1203
Emperor Tsuchimikado
Japan
1198–1210
Pope Innocent III
Papacy
1198–1216
Pope Lucius III
Papacy
1181–1185
Sverker II of Sweden
Sweden
1195–1208
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.
From the library
Go deeper on Isaac II Angelos
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
A Short History of Byzantium
John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
Find on Amazon
Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic
Tom Holland
A gripping account of the republic's last century, essential background to the imperial age.
Find on Amazon
Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.