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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.
Bayezid II
Ottoman Empire
1481–1512
Henry VII of England
England
1485–1509
Charles VIII of France
France
1483–1498
Ferdinand II of Aragon
Spain
1479–1516
Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1452–1493
Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado
Japan
1464–1500
John II of Portugal
Portugal
1477–1477; 1481–1495
Richard III of England
England
1483–1485
Hongzhi Emperor
China
1487–1505
James IV of Scotland
Scotland
1488–1513
Ashikaga Yoshihisa
Japan (Shogunate)
1474–1489
James III of Scotland
Scotland
1460–1488
Chenghua Emperor
China
1464–1487
Ashikaga Yoshitane
Japan (Shogunate)
1490–1493; 1508–1522
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 Innocent VIII
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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