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 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.
Childeric I
France
458–481
Romulus Augustulus
Rome
475–476
Clovis I
France
481–511
Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei
China
471–499
Emperor Yūryaku
Japan
457–479
Ariadne
Rome
474–475; 476–515
Zeno
Rome
474–475; 476–491
Verina
Rome
457–474
Leo I
Rome
457–474
Latter Deposed Emperor of Liu Song
China
472–477
Emperor Gao of Southern Qi
China
479–482
Emperor Ming of Liu Song
China
466–472
Emperor Seinei
Japan
480–484
Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei
China
465–471
Basiliscus
Rome
475–476
Zenonis
Rome
475–476
Leo II
Rome
474–474
Emperor Shun of Liu Song
China
477–479
Emperor Wu of Southern Qi
China
482–493
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 Simplicius
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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