482-511
Clovis founds the Merovingian dynasty
623-39
Dagobert defeats the Wends in Bohemia
732
Charles Martel of the Carolingian
dynasty defeats the Muslims at Poitiers
772-814
Charlemagne rules the Franks; crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
in 800
843
Treaty of Verdun between
Charlemagne's descendants splits the empire
987
Hugh Capet ascends the throne to start
a new dynasty