Recommended read
Philip of Spain
Henry Kamen
Kamen's revisionist biography of the most powerful ruler of the sixteenth-century world.
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
Murad III
Ottoman Empire
1574–1595
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
Mehmed III
Ottoman Empire
1595–1603
James VI and I
Scotland
1587–1625
Henry IV of France
France
1589–1610
Emperor Go-Yōzei
Japan
1586–1611
Henry III of France
France
1574–1589
Ashikaga Yoshiaki
Japan (Shogunate)
1568–1588
Emperor Ōgimachi
Japan
1557–1586
Pope Clement VIII
Papacy
1592–1605
Pope Sixtus V
Papacy
1585–1590
Sigismund III Vasa
Sweden
1592–1599
Pope Gregory XIII
Papacy
1572–1585
Pope Gregory XIV
Papacy
1590–1591
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.
From the library
Go deeper on Philip II of Spain
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.