Recommended read
The Cambridge Illustrated History of France
Colin Jones
The best single-volume illustrated history of France, from Gaul to the Fifth Republic.
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.
Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185
Henry II of England
England
1154–1189
Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214
Alfonso VII of Castile
Spain
1126–1157
Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196
Manuel I Komnenos
Rome
1143–1180
Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195
Emperor Gaozong of Song
China
1127–1129; 1129–1162
Karl Sverkersson
Sweden
1161–1167
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190
Saint Erik
Sweden
1156–1160
Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1189
Emperor Xiaozong of Song
China
1162–1189
Pope Alexander III
Papacy
1159–1181
Stephen, King of England
England
1135–1141; 1141–1154
David I of Scotland
Scotland
1124–1153
Wanyan Liang
China
1150–1161
William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214
Emperor Konoe
Japan
1142–1155
Malcolm IV of Scotland
Scotland
1153–1165
Emperor Takakura
Japan
1168–1180
Emperor Xizong of Jin
China
1135–1150
John II Komnenos
Rome
1118–1143
Pope Eugene III
Papacy
1145–1153
Emperor Nijō
Japan
1158–1165
Pope Innocent II
Papacy
1130–1143
Emperor Sutoku
Japan
1123–1142
Pope Adrian IV
Papacy
1154–1159
Emperor Go-Shirakawa
Japan
1155–1158
Emperor Rokujō
Japan
1165–1168
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 Louis VII of France
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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