
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.

Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214

Alfonso II of Aragon
Spain
1164–1196

Sancho I of Portugal
Portugal
1185–1211

Knut Eriksson
Sweden
1173–1196; 1173–1195

Richard I of England
England
1189–1199

Henry II of England
England
1154–1189

Philip II of France
France
1180–1223

Isaac II Angelos
Rome
1185–1195; 1203–1204

William the Lion
Scotland
1165–1214

Emperor Go-Toba
Japan
1183–1198

Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190

Emperor Guangzong of Song
China
1189–1194
Emperor Zhangzong of Jin
China
1189–1209

Emperor Xiaozong of Song
China
1162–1189

Emperor Shizong of Jin
China
1161–1189

Henry VI
Holy Roman Empire
1191–1197
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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