Several types of peoples had been here, coming north and going south as the waves of cold came and went. By 15,000 years ago as the ice retreated the last time, cold was replaced by warmth enough to grow crops. The ore southern animals were able to come back and peoples of central Europe again had diet beyond moss and reindeer.

That this happened has really only been confirmed by since in the past half century. Now, known recorded history has found humans in bogs in Denmark amazingly preserved, and we know we slowly evolved into tribes and related groups.

By the time of Roman invasions we have their records on how terribly savage or nobly defending, were the peoples much of Europe had hiding in swamps, narrow pathways to attack any stray Roman legions, heavy with their Armour in close combat in foreign terrain.

Over many centuries, all invaded each other: the Hun at Rome, the Vandal and Visigoth at anywhere with riches. And this happened a thousand years before later Golden Hordes arrived at the gates of Europe.

Until Charlemagne (742-814 B.C.E.), the Frank. The Germanic peoples from central Germany had poured west during the Roman retreat from Gaul. They had to defend Rome from others from Germany.

As then, this is happening again. The central, most populated portion of western Europe, after the horrors of World Wars one and two, has finally reached out and embraced the neighbors, after years of attacking them. This was with the hearty shoves from America who said Europe, grow up, become one great United State of Europe.

So, again, the Germanic Franks from around present day Frankfurt poured into Roman Gaul as the Romans left, and the most amazing events unfolded.

The Germanic Franks,like Julius Caesar before them came, saw and conquered Gaul. But unlike Caesar who brought Latin, the Franks dropped their Anglo Saxon dialect now generally shared by Britain, America, Canada, Australia and now much of the world.

The Franks of Germany took on the language of the locals of Gaul, which was a country version of Roman Latin. They spoke it, but called it the language of the Franks, or France. French evolved, brought in some German concepts.

But the German Franks who took over Gaul created France are quite stuffy that they are more refined than their cousins back home. So,the evolved and refined French language and customs they now feel are all so distinct and unique from their less cultivated German bosom friends.

What is so wonderful after so many centuries of bloodshed and wars, French Napoleon attacking Germany and others; the Kaiser, then Hitler coming on back with more and nastier manners. It did take World War Two and Uncle Sam to bang some heads together and say time to grow up and be mighty, there is a lot of brotherly blood here, Europe.

And call me Charles or Check Point Charlie, but they are doing it. 26 nations of Europe with no borders. Charles could drive his carriage from Lisbon to Latvia and up into Finland and around Europe. He and we should all be so proud. Visionaries enjoy getting to gaze down and see copy cats copy.

The visionary genius of Charles The Great, who in his creation of a more educated, civilized and Christian new Holy Roman Empire saw his Christian values of peace and harmony stand, far better than Napoleon, as an inspiration to the peoples of Europe today.

And we think that is a wonderful way for the world to all marvel at such a still struggling but hugely successful great democracy. When they embrace Serbia, it will by trial and effort by all but may pour soothing waters on the most festering wound in Europe.

And we say bravo. And uncle Charles the Great would too.