What was going on in Northwestern Europe during the Clical Era?

I'm having to write a Change and Continuity over Time essay in AP World History, and I chose to do mine over North and Western Europe. I have plenty of information on this area during the Postclical and Modern eras, but Mr. Stearns focused largely on the Roman and Hellenistic empires during this time period. Any history buffs who would know about this area during this time period?