
Recommended read
Justinian and Theodora
Robert Browning
Browning on the emperor of reconquest, codification, the Nika riot, and the plague years.

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

Emperor Kinmei
Japan
539–571

Theodora
Rome
527–548

Pope Vigilius
Papacy
537–555
Emperor Xiaojing of Eastern Wei
China
534–550
Emperor Wen of Western Wei
China
535–551

Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi
China
550–559

Xiao Cha
China
555–562

Emperor Wen of Chen
China
559–566

Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou
China
560–578

Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei
China
528–531

Emperor Yuan of Liang
China
552–555

Pope Pelagius I
Papacy
556–561

Emperor Keitai
Japan
507–531

Emperor Ankan
Japan
531–535

Pope John III
Papacy
561–574

Emperor Senka
Japan
536–539

Pope Felix IV
Papacy
526–530
Xiao Kui
China
562–585

Pope John II
Papacy
533–535
Emperor Wucheng of Northern Qi
China
561–565

Pope Boniface II
Papacy
530–532
Emperor Fei of Western Wei
China
551–554
Emperor Gong of Western Wei
China
554–557
Xiao Zhuang
China
557–560
Emperor Ming of Northern Zhou
China
557–560
Emperor Xiaowu of Northern Wei
China
532–535
Emperor Jianwen of Liang
China
549–551
Emperor Jing of Liang
China
555–557
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
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Recommended read
Robert Browning
Browning on the emperor of reconquest, codification, the Nika riot, and the plague years.

Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.
Find on Amazon
John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
Find on AmazonSome book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.