
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.

Elizabeth I of England
England
1558–1603

Akbar
Mughal Empire
1556–1605

Murad III
Ottoman Empire
1574–1595

John III of Sweden
Sweden
1568–1592

Philip II of Spain
Spain
1556–1598

Wanli Emperor
China
1572–1620

Emperor Ōgimachi
Japan
1557–1586

Henry III of France
France
1574–1589

Ashikaga Yoshiaki
Japan (Shogunate)
1568–1588

Selim II
Ottoman Empire
1566–1574

Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1576–1612

Sebastian, King of Portugal
Portugal
1557–1578

Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1564–1576

Philip II of Spain
Portugal
1580–1598

Charles IX of France
France
1560–1574

Henry, King of Portugal
Portugal
1578–1580
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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