
Recommended read
A Brief History of the Samurai
Jonathan Clements
A lively introduction to Japan's warrior rulers and the shogunates they led.

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Isabella II of Spain
Spain
1833–1868

Alexander II of Russia
Russia
1855–1881

Franz Joseph I of Austria
Austria
1848–1916

William III of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1849–1890
Wilhelm I
Prussia
1861–1888

Napoleon III
France
1852–1870

Victoria
Great Britain
1837–1901

Emperor Kōmei
Japan
1846–1867

Pope Pius IX
Papacy
1846–1878

Frederick William IV of Prussia
Prussia
1840–1861

Hong Xiuquan
China
1851–1864

Charles XV
Sweden
1859–1872

Abdulaziz
Ottoman Empire
1861–1876

Tongzhi Emperor
China
1861–1875

Luís I of Portugal
Portugal
1861–1889

Xianfeng Emperor
China
1850–1861

Abdülmecid I
Ottoman Empire
1839–1861

Pedro V of Portugal
Portugal
1853–1861

Oscar I of Sweden
Sweden
1844–1859
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
Jonathan Clements
A lively introduction to Japan's warrior rulers and the shogunates they led.
Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.