
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.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi
Japan (Shogunate)
1395–1423

John I of Portugal
Portugal
1385–1433

Charles VI of France
France
1380–1422

Yongle Emperor
China
1402–1424

Manuel II Palaiologos
Rome
1391–1425

James I of Scotland
Scotland
1406–1437

Henry V of England
England
1413–1422

Mehmed I
Ottoman Empire
1413–1421

Erik of Pomerania
Sweden
1396–1434; 1435–1436; 1436–1439

Henry IV of England
England
1399–1413

Emperor Go-Komatsu
Japan
1392–1412

Margaret I of Denmark
Sweden
1389–1412

Martin of Aragon
Spain
1396–1410

Ferdinand I of Aragon
Spain
1412–1416

Emperor Shōkō
Japan
1412–1428

Irene Gattilusio
Rome
1399–1408
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.