
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.

Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1022

Robert II of France
France
996–1031

Æthelred the Unready
England
978–1013; 1014–1016

Emperor Zhenzong of Song
China
997–1022

Basil II
Rome
976–1025

Emperor Ichijō
Japan
986–1011
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1031

Malcolm II of Scotland
Scotland
1005–1034

Kenneth III of Scotland
Scotland
997–1005
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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