
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.

Henry VII of England
England
1485–1509

Bayezid II
Ottoman Empire
1481–1512

Louis XII of France
France
1498–1515

Hongzhi Emperor
China
1487–1505

Ferdinand II of Aragon
Spain
1479–1516

James IV of Scotland
Scotland
1488–1513

Emperor Go-Kashiwabara
Japan
1500–1526

Ashikaga Yoshizumi
Japan (Shogunate)
1495–1508

Manuel I of Portugal
Portugal
1495–1521
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.
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.
Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.