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.
Childeric I
France
458–481
Leo I
Rome
457–474
Emperor Yūryaku
Japan
457–479
Merovech
France
450–458
Emperor Wencheng of Northern Wei
China
452–465
Emperor Xiaowu of Liu Song
China
453–464
Pope Hilarius
Papacy
461–468
Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei
China
465–471
Emperor Ming of Liu Song
China
466–472
Pope Simplicius
Papacy
468–483
Pope Leo I
Papacy
440–461
Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei
China
471–499
Latter Deposed Emperor of Liu Song
China
472–477
Liu Ziye
China
464–466
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 Verina
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.
Find on Amazon
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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