755 Pepin of France forces Aistulf, the Lombard king, to relinquish all territory taken from the exarch and the pope. Ravenna, Pentapolis, and other territory turned over to the pope. “The Donation of Pepin.” The foundations of the papal states are laid. Pepin bestows title of Patrician of Rome on the king of the Franks.
757 Paul I. The Lombards do not encroach upon the papacy.
767 On death of Paul, Toto, duke of Nepi, compels a bishop to ordain one of his brothers, Constantine, a layman. He discharges all the offices of pontiff for a year, when
768 Desiderius, the Lombard king, sends a band to rescue Rome. Constantine is seized. Election of Stephen III or IV. All of Constantine’s acts are declared null and void. Cruel treatment of Constantine.
772 Adrian I. Troubles with the Lombards are renewed. Adrian appeals to Charlemagne.
774 Charlemagne captures Desiderius in Pavia, and assumes title of king of the Lombards. End of the Lombard kingdom. Charlemagne gives a large amount of territory to the pope. “Donation of Charlemagne.” Adrian takes possession of the exarchate, with all power and privileges of a temporal prince.
780 The pope summons Charlemagne to protect him against a coalition of his Byzantine enemies. Peace is purchased.
786 Charlemagne reduces Arichis of Benevento to subjection. The pope’s dominions extend to Calabria.
795 Leo III. He recognises the supremacy of Charlemagne.
799 Assault, attempted mutilation, and imprisonment of Leo by an armed band headed by his nephews. Leo escapes to Charlemagne, but returns to Rome.