Recommended read
Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire
Jason Goodwin
Murad III's long reign, Ottoman power at its height before the wars of the 1600s.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
England
1558–1603
Akbar
Mughal Empire
1556–1605
John III of Sweden
Sweden
1568–1592
Wanli Emperor
China
1572–1620
Philip II of Spain
Spain
1556–1598
Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1576–1612
Henry III of France
France
1574–1589
Philip II of Spain
Portugal
1580–1598
Ashikaga Yoshiaki
Japan (Shogunate)
1568–1588
Emperor Ōgimachi
Japan
1557–1586
Pope Gregory XIII
Papacy
1572–1585
Henry IV of France
France
1589–1610
James VI and I
Scotland
1587–1625
Emperor Go-Yōzei
Japan
1586–1611
Pope Sixtus V
Papacy
1585–1590
Sebastian, King of Portugal
Portugal
1557–1578
Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1564–1576
Pope Clement VIII
Papacy
1592–1605
Henry, King of Portugal
Portugal
1578–1580
Sigismund III Vasa
Sweden
1592–1599
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 Murad III
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire 1300–1923
Caroline Finkel
A modern narrative history of the sultans and the empire they ruled for six centuries.
Find on Amazon
Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire
Jason Goodwin
A lyrical, readable introduction to Ottoman court life, conquest, and decline.
Find on Amazon
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