Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
Judith Herrin
Manuel I, diplomacy, crusades, and the last great Komnenian emperor.
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
1143–1180
Henry II of England
England
1154–1180
Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1180
Louis VII of France
France
1143–1180
Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1180
Alfonso VII of Castile
Spain
1143–1157
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1180
Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1180
Karl Sverkersson
Sweden
1161–1167
Saint Erik
Sweden
1156–1160
Emperor Gaozong of Song
China
1143–1162
Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1180
Emperor Xiaozong of Song
China
1162–1180
Pope Alexander III
Papacy
1159–1180
Stephen, King of England
England
1143–1154
Wanyan Liang
China
1150–1161
William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1180
Malcolm IV of Scotland
Scotland
1153–1165
Emperor Konoe
Japan
1143–1155
Emperor Takakura
Japan
1168–1180
David I of Scotland
Scotland
1143–1153
Pope Eugene III
Papacy
1145–1153
Emperor Nijō
Japan
1158–1165
Emperor Xizong of Jin
China
1143–1150
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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Further Reading
Well-regarded biographies and histories to go deeper on Manuel I Komnenos's life and times.
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