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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.
Cnut the Great
England
1016–1035
Anund Jacob
Sweden
1022–1050
Conrad II
Holy Roman Empire
1027–1039
Emperor Renzong of Song
China
1022–1063
Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1034
Robert II of France
France
996–1031
Emperor Go-Ichijō
Japan
1016–1036
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1031
Romanos III Argyros
Rome
1028–1034
Constantine VIII
Rome
1025–1028
Henry I of France
France
1031–1060
Basil II
Rome
976–1025
Emperor Xingzong of Liao
China
1031–1055
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 XIX
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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