
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 VII of Castile
Spain
1126–1157

Emperor Gaozong of Song
China
1127–1129; 1129–1162

John II Komnenos
Rome
1118–1143

David I of Scotland
Scotland
1124–1153

Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185

Emperor Sutoku
Japan
1123–1142

Louis VI of France
France
1108–1137

Louis VII of France
France
1137–1180
Emperor Xizong of Jin
China
1135–1150

Henry I of England
England
1100–1135

Stephen, King of England
England
1135–1141; 1141–1154

Emperor Taizong of Jin
China
1123–1135
Lothair III
Holy Roman Empire
1133–1137

Philip of France
France
1129–1131

Emperor Konoe
Japan
1142–1155
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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