
Recommended read
Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy
John Julius Norwich
Norwich's narrative history of the popes, from Saint Peter's successors to the modern Vatican.

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

Edward I of England
England
1272–1307

Kublai Khan
China
1271–1294
Afonso III of Portugal
Portugal
1248–1279

James I of Aragon
Spain
1213–1276

Philip III of France
France
1270–1285

Emperor Duanzong of Song
China
1276–1278

Michael VIII Palaiologos
Rome
1261–1282

Anna of Hungary
Rome
1273–1281
Alexander III of Scotland
Scotland
1249–1286

Emperor Go-Uda
Japan
1274–1287

Magnus III of Sweden
Sweden
1275–1290
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
John Julius Norwich
Norwich's narrative history of the popes, from Saint Peter's successors to the modern Vatican.
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