Recommended read
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Mary Beard
Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.
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.
Constantine VII
Rome
913–959
Constantine II of Scotland
Scotland
900–943
Berengar I of Italy
Holy Roman Empire
915–924
Æthelstan
England
927–939
Emperor Taizong of Liao
China
927–947; 947–947
Emperor Suzaku
Japan
930–946
Christopher Lekapenos
Rome
921–931
Emperor Daigo
Japan
897–930
Li Siyuan
China
926–933
Shi Jingtang
China
936–942
Pope John X
Papacy
914–928
Edward the Elder
England
899–924
Edmund I
England
939–946
Abaoji
China
916–926
Li Cunxu
China
923–926
Pope John XI
Papacy
931–935
Pope Leo VII
Papacy
936–939
Zhu Zhen
China
913–923
Pope Stephen VIII
Papacy
939–942
Li Congke
China
934–937
Pope Stephen VII
Papacy
929–931
Shi Chonggui
China
942–947
Pope Marinus II
Papacy
942–946
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 Romanos I Lekapenos
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
A Short History of Byzantium
John Julius Norwich
A narrative survey of the Eastern Roman emperors from Constantine to the fall of Constantinople.
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Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic
Tom Holland
A gripping account of the republic's last century, essential background to the imperial age.
Find on Amazon
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