Charlemagne's soldiers conquer the Lombards

Once the sole leader of the Franks in 771, Charlemagne sought to unite all Germanic people into one kingdom. He started his quest by conquering the Lombards in modern day Italy. The Lombards had been forced to give up land to the Franks under Pepin's rule which became land for the Papacy states. King Desiderius became irritable and wanted his lands back, angering Charlemagne. Charlemagne sent his wife back to the King and proceeded to invade Lombardy. He conquered the land and declared himself the King of the Lombards.