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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.
Alfred the Great
England
871–899
Basil I
Rome
867–886
Emperor Xizong of Tang
China
873–888
Charles the Bald
Holy Roman Empire
875–877
Emperor Yōzei
Japan
876–884
Giric
Scotland
878–889
Causantín mac Cináeda
Scotland
862–877
Emperor Seiwa
Japan
858–876
Eochaid ab Rhun
Scotland
878–889
Huang Chao
China
881–884
Emperor Yizong of Tang
China
859–873
Áed mac Cináeda
Scotland
877–878
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 John VIII
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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