
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.

Charlemagne
France
768–814

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
Japan (Shogunate)
797–811; 804–811

Charlemagne
Holy Roman Empire
800–814

Emperor Xianzong of Tang
China
805–820

Emperor Dezong of Tang
China
779–805

Nikephoros I
Rome
802–811

Emperor Kanmu
Japan
781–806

Irene of Athens
Rome
797–802

Emperor Saga
Japan
809–823

Louis the Pious
France
814–840

Leo V the Armenian
Rome
813–820

Constantine VI
Rome
780–797

Michael I Rangabe
Rome
811–813

Emperor Heizei
Japan
806–809
Staurakios
Rome
811–813
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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