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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 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.
Sancho II of León and Castile
Spain
1065–1072
William the Conqueror
England
1066–1087
Philip I of France
France
1060–1108
Konstantios Doukas
Rome
1060–1078
Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1058–1093
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1055–1101
Harold Godwinson
England
1066–1066
Emperor Shenzong of Song
China
1067–1085
Michael VII Doukas
Rome
1067–1078
Emperor Go-Reizei
Japan
1045–1068
Constantine X Doukas
Rome
1059–1067
Edward the Confessor
England
1042–1066
Emperor Yingzong of Song
China
1063–1067
Emperor Go-Sanjō
Japan
1068–1073
Romanos IV Diogenes
Rome
1068–1071
Stenkil
Sweden
1060–1066
Andronikos Doukas
Rome
1068–1070
Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063
Eric the Pagan
Sweden
1066–1067
Eric Stenkilsson
Sweden
1066–1067
Anund Gårdske
Sweden
1070–1075
Halsten Stenkilsson
Sweden
1067–1070
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 Pope Alexander II
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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