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.
John I of Portugal
Portugal
1385–1433
Ashikaga Yoshimochi
Japan (Shogunate)
1395–1423
Henry V of England
England
1413–1422
Manuel II Palaiologos
Rome
1391–1425
Charles VI of France
France
1380–1422
Mehmed I
Ottoman Empire
1413–1421
Erik of Pomerania
Sweden
1396–1434; 1435–1436; 1436–1439
James I of Scotland
Scotland
1406–1437
Murad II
Ottoman Empire
1421–1444; 1446–1451
Charles VII of France
France
1422–1461
Henry VI of England
England
1422–1461; 1470–1471
Ashikaga Yoshikazu
Japan (Shogunate)
1423–1425
Henry IV of England
England
1399–1413
Emperor Shōkō
Japan
1412–1428
Alfonso V of Aragon
Spain
1416–1458
Emperor Go-Komatsu
Japan
1392–1412
Martin of Aragon
Spain
1396–1410
Margaret I of Denmark
Sweden
1389–1412
Pope Gregory XII
Papacy
1406–1415
Irene Gattilusio
Rome
1399–1408
Pope Martin V
Papacy
1417–1431
Ferdinand I of Aragon
Spain
1412–1416
Andronikos V Palaiologos
Rome
1403–1407
Robert III of Scotland
Scotland
1390–1406
Anna of Moscow
Rome
1416–1417
Pope Boniface IX
Papacy
1389–1404
Pope Innocent VII
Papacy
1404–1406
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 Yongle Emperor
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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