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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.
James VI and I
England
1603–1625
Jahangir I
Mughal Empire
1605–1627
Louis XIII of France
France
1610–1617; 1617–1643
Tianqi Emperor
China
1620–1627
Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1619–1637
Philip IV of Spain
Spain
1621–1665
James VI and I
Scotland
1587–1625
Emperor Go-Mizunoo
Japan
1611–1629
Tokugawa Hidetada
Japan (Shogunate)
1605–1623
Philip IV of Spain
Portugal
1621–1640
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden
Sweden
1611–1632
Mustafa I
Ottoman Empire
1617–1618; 1622–1623
Osman II
Ottoman Empire
1618–1622
Tokugawa Iemitsu
Japan (Shogunate)
1623–1651
Philip III of Spain
Spain
1598–1621
Philip III of Spain
Portugal
1598–1621
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 Gregory XV
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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