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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.
Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1014–1024
Cnut the Great
England
1016–1035
Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1022
Robert II of France
France
996–1031
Basil II
Rome
976–1025
Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1034
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1031
Emperor Zhenzong of Song
China
997–1022
Anund Jacob
Sweden
1022–1050
Emperor Go-Ichijō
Japan
1016–1036
Emperor Sanjō
Japan
1011–1016
Æthelred the Unready
England
978–1013; 1014–1016
Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063
Swein Forkbeard
England
1013–1014
Edmund II of England
England
1016–1016
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 Benedict VIII
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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