
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.

Anund Jacob
Sweden
1022–1050
Conrad II
Holy Roman Empire
1027–1039

Henry I of France
France
1031–1060

Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063

Cnut the Great
England
1016–1035
Emperor Xingzong of Liao
China
1031–1055

Henry III
Holy Roman Empire
1046–1056

Michael IV the Paphlagonian
Rome
1034–1041

Emperor Go-Suzaku
Japan
1036–1045

Duncan I of Scotland
Scotland
1034–1040

Macbeth, King of Scotland
Scotland
1040–1057
Harold Harefoot
England
1037–1040

Edward the Confessor
England
1042–1066

Emperor Go-Ichijō
Japan
1016–1036

Harthacnut
England
1040–1042

Zoe Porphyrogenita
Rome
1042–1055

Theodora Porphyrogenita
Rome
1042–1056
Constantine IX Monomachos
Rome
1042–1055
Macbeth
Scotland
1040–1057

Romanos III Argyros
Rome
1028–1034

Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1034

Emperor Go-Reizei
Japan
1045–1068
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
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.
Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.