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.
James I of Aragon
Spain
1213–1276
Prince Munetaka
Japan (Shogunate)
1252–1266
Afonso III of Portugal
Portugal
1248–1279
Louis IX of France
France
1226–1270
Henry III of England
England
1216–1272
Emperor Lizong of Song
China
1224–1264
Michael VIII Palaiologos
Rome
1261–1282
Alexander III of Scotland
Scotland
1249–1286
Emperor Kameyama
Japan
1260–1274
Valdemar, King of Sweden
Sweden
1250–1275
Emperor Duzong of Song
China
1264–1274
John IV Laskaris
Rome
1259–1262
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 Urban IV
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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