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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.
Olof Skötkonung
Sweden
995–1022
Otto III
Holy Roman Empire
996–1002
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
Kenneth III of Scotland
Scotland
997–1005
Emperor Ichijō
Japan
986–1011
Emperor Shengzong of Liao
China
982–1031
Ring of Sweden
Sweden
993–1000
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 Sylvester II
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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