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Most of the Iberian peninsula is conquered by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost eight centuries of Muslim presence there. Sometime this century, Beowulf is probably composed. The Pictish peoples of Scotland design the first European triangular harp Borobodur, the famous Indonesian Buddhist structure, begins construction, probably as a non-Buddhist shrine. Buddhist Jataka stories are translated into Syriac and Arabic as Kalilag and Damnag. An account of Buddha's life is translated into Greek by Saint John of Damascus, and widely circulated to Christians as the story of Barlaam and Josaphat. The Nara period begins in Japan. The Moravian principality and the Principality of Nitra arise in central Europe (see Great Moravia) Many Volga Bulgarians convert to Islam. The very first Viking raid is carried out on the abbey of Lindisfarne in northern England in 793. Kanem-Bornu arises north of Lake Chad. Height of the Classic period in pre-Columbian Maya civilization history.

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Charles Martel, Frankish leader until 741 (Battle of Tours, 732)

Pippin the Younger, king of the Franks until 768

Charlemagne, king of the Franks from 771 to 814

Alcuin, English monk, scholar, and teacher; Charlemagne's advisor in educational affairs

The Venerable Bede, English scholar

Harun al-Rashid, fifth Abbasid Caliph

Li Po, Chinese poet

Du Fu, Chinese poet

Dae Jo Yeong, founder of ancient Korean state, Balhae

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heavy plow in use in the Rhine valley

horsecollar in use in Northern Europe in 8th or 9th century - perhaps introduced from Asia

papermaking introduced from China to Arabs

beginning of the decline of the Classical Maya civilization

ca. 770: iron horseshoes come into common use

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