731   Bede (Anglo-Saxon priest/scholar) writes a 5 volume history of England, Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation. He is the most educated man in Europe.
732  Moors invade France - Battle of Tours - Charles Martel defeats Moors and they retreat to Spain.
740  Ravenna, Italy - political conflict between Pope and Lombards. Liutprand is the supreme military authority in Italy. 
744  Liutprand - King of the Lombards - dies
774  King Desiderius becomes King of Lombards. He tries to eliminate papacy. Pope Hadrian seeks help from Franks.
773  Pavia, Italy - Charlemagne the Frankish King leads a force against the Lombards. Within a year Lombards are destroyed. Birth of Modern Europe.
782  Franks led by Charlemagne conquer Saxons.
793  Vikings raids begin -  Northern England - Monastery at Lindisfarne.
800  Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emperor and reigns for 46 years. Father of Modern Europe.
 
