In trying to change some of the gameplay, I decided that (since I was playing as Louis in France) I should get away from crowded Europe and start my own, "one city challenge" type scenario on a secluded island. Usually, Europe doesn't really yield much. Countries maintain boundaries, etc. Whilst trying to get AWAY from Europe, all the barbarian states from Paris to Rome flipped over to me, and Spain gave me one of their northern cities in constant revolt. Meanwhile, I'm wondering why these people want to join my empire. We are practically last on every score chart. So, I continue looking for an island...
Ireland is already gone.
I can't travel over oceans yet.
Madagascar is too far away.
So, I set my sights on Iceland.
Of course, when I get there, that too is already taken by the Vikings.
So, the island search continues.
And, since I'm playing with Rhye's and Fall on my BtS expansion, the first international congress is held.
Whether it be the luck of the Irish or something else, I sucessfully take Exeter on teh southern British coast. The Vikings take York in the north. The Dutch take Inverness in the far north/Scotland. So, England only has London and Ireland (of course...)
So, England falls into civil war (what are the chances?!? They never do.) And now I have London. York and Inverness flip to me as well. So now, I, hoping only to find an island, have France, Northern Spain, Italy, and the UK (minus, of course, Ireland).
I thought I'd share the irony. Never again do I believe such an outrageous serious of events will occur...especially when I actually want them to.

Cheers.

Seems like a bit of luck there. I hope you went on to win the game.

Pat.