
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.

Richard I of England
England
1189–1199

Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214

Sancho I of Portugal
Portugal
1185–1211

Minamoto no Yoritomo
Japan (Shogunate)
1192–1199

Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196

Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195

Philip II of France
France
1180–1223

William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214

Henry VI
Holy Roman Empire
1191–1197

Emperor Go-Toba
Japan
1183–1198

Peter II of Aragon
Spain
1196–1213
Emperor Zhangzong of Jin
China
1189–1209

Isaac II Angelos
Rome
1185–1195; 1203–1204

Emperor Ningzong of Song
China
1194–1224

Emperor Guangzong of Song
China
1189–1194

Alexios III Angelos
Rome
1195–1203

Sverker II of Sweden
Sweden
1195–1208
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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