
Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Anund Jacob
Sweden
1022–1050
Conrad II
Holy Roman Empire
1027–1039

Henry I of France
France
1031–1060

Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063

Pope Benedict IX
Papacy
1032–1044; 1045–1045; 1047–1048
Emperor Xingzong of Liao
China
1031–1055

Cnut the Great
England
1016–1035

Duncan I of Scotland
Scotland
1034–1040

Emperor Go-Suzaku
Japan
1036–1045
Harold Harefoot
England
1037–1040

Harthacnut
England
1040–1042

Macbeth, King of Scotland
Scotland
1040–1057

Emperor Go-Ichijō
Japan
1016–1036
Macbeth
Scotland
1040–1057
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
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Recommended read
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
Find on Amazon
Tom Holland
A gripping account of the republic's last century, essential background to the imperial age.
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