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 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.
Louis XIV of France
France
1643–1715
Mehmed IV
Ottoman Empire
1648–1687
Aurangzeb
Mughal Empire
1658–1707
Charles II of England
England
1660–1685
Kangxi Emperor
China
1661–1722
Tokugawa Ietsuna
Japan (Shogunate)
1651–1680
Shah Jahan
Mughal Empire
1628–1658
Philip IV of Spain
Spain
1621–1665
Afonso VI of Portugal
Portugal
1656–1683
Charles II of Spain
Spain
1665–1700
Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1658–1705
Emperor Go-Sai
Japan
1655–1663
Oliver Cromwell
England
1653–1658
Charles II of England
Scotland
1660–1685
Shunzhi Emperor
China
1644–1661
Yongli Emperor
China
1646–1662
Charles XI of Sweden
Sweden
1660–1697
Richard Cromwell
England
1658–1659
Emperor Reigen
Japan
1663–1687
Charles X Gustav of Sweden
Sweden
1654–1660
Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1637–1657
John IV of Portugal
Portugal
1640–1656
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 Pope Alexander VII
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.