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.
Suleiman the Magnificent
Ottoman Empire
1555–1559
Mary I
England
1555–1558
Akbar
Mughal Empire
1556–1559
Henry II of France
France
1555–1559
Jiajing Emperor of Ming
China
1555–1559
Mary, Queen of Scots
Scotland
1555–1559
Ashikaga Yoshiteru
Japan (Shogunate)
1555–1559
Philip II of Spain
Spain
1556–1559
Gustav I of Sweden
Sweden
1555–1559
Elizabeth I of England
England
1558–1559
Humayun
Mughal Empire
1555–1556
Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor
Holy Roman Empire
1556–1559
Emperor Go-Nara
Japan
1555–1557
Sebastian, King of Portugal
Portugal
1557–1559
John III of Portugal
Portugal
1555–1557
Emperor Ōgimachi
Japan
1557–1559
Charles V
Spain
1555–1556
Charles V
Holy Roman Empire
1555–1556
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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