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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.
Eric the Victorious
Sweden
970–995
Æthelred the Unready
England
978–1013; 1014–1016
Emperor Taizong of Song
China
976–997
Basil II
Rome
976–1025
Hugh Capet of France
France
987–996
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1031
Kenneth II of Scotland
Scotland
971–995
Emperor Ichijō
Japan
986–1011
Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1022
Constantine III of Scotland
Scotland
995–997
Emperor Kazan
Japan
984–986
Ring of Sweden
Sweden
993–1000
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 XV
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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