Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.
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.
William the Conqueror
England
1066–1087
Sancho II of León and Castile
Spain
1065–1072
Philip I of France
France
1060–1108
Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1058–1093
Alfonso VI of León and Castile
Spain
1072–1109
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1055–1101
Emperor Shenzong of Song
China
1067–1085
Michael VII Doukas
Rome
1067–1078
Pope Alexander II
Papacy
1061–1073
Constantine X Doukas
Rome
1059–1067
Emperor Go-Reizei
Japan
1045–1068
Edward the Confessor
England
1042–1066
Emperor Yingzong of Song
China
1063–1067
Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063
Emperor Shirakawa
Japan
1073–1087
Emperor Go-Sanjō
Japan
1068–1073
Stenkil
Sweden
1060–1066
Romanos IV Diogenes
Rome
1068–1071
Pope Gregory VII
Papacy
1073–1085
Andronikos Doukas
Rome
1068–1070
Eric the Pagan
Sweden
1066–1067
Eric Stenkilsson
Sweden
1066–1067
Pope Nicholas II
Papacy
1059–1061
Anund Gårdske
Sweden
1070–1075
Halsten Stenkilsson
Sweden
1067–1070
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 Konstantios Doukas
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.
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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
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