Recommended read
China: A History
John Keay
Keay's sweeping narrative from the Shang dynasty to the People's Republic in one readable volume.
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.
Afonso I of Portugal
Portugal
1139–1185
Henry II of England
England
1154–1189
Alfonso VII of Castile
Spain
1126–1157
Louis VII of France
France
1137–1180
Emperor Gaozong of Song
China
1127–1129; 1129–1162
Manuel I Komnenos
Rome
1143–1180
Alfonso VIII of Castile
Spain
1158–1214
Saint Erik
Sweden
1156–1160
Malcolm IV of Scotland
Scotland
1153–1165
Frederick Barbarossa
Holy Roman Empire
1155–1190
Magnus Henriksson
Sweden
1160–1161
Karl Sverkersson
Sweden
1161–1167
Stephen, King of England
England
1135–1141; 1141–1154
Emperor Konoe
Japan
1142–1155
Pope Adrian IV
Papacy
1154–1159
David I of Scotland
Scotland
1124–1153
Emperor Nijō
Japan
1158–1165
Pope Eugene III
Papacy
1145–1153
Emperor Go-Shirakawa
Japan
1155–1158
Pope Alexander III
Papacy
1159–1181
Pope Anastasius IV
Papacy
1153–1154
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 Wanyan Liang
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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