
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.

James I of Aragon
Spain
1213–1276
Afonso III of Portugal
Portugal
1248–1279

Louis IX of France
France
1226–1270

Henry III of England
England
1216–1272

Emperor Lizong of Song
China
1224–1264

Erik Eriksson
Sweden
1222–1229; 1234–1250

John III Doukas Vatatzes
Rome
1221–1254

Sancho II of Portugal
Portugal
1223–1247

Prince Munetaka
Japan (Shogunate)
1252–1266

Emperor Go-Fukakusa
Japan
1246–1260

Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1220–1250
Alexander II of Scotland
Scotland
1214–1249
Kujō Yoritsugu
Japan (Shogunate)
1244–1252
Alexander III of Scotland
Scotland
1249–1286

Valdemar, King of Sweden
Sweden
1250–1275

Emperor Go-Saga
Japan
1242–1246
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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