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Books about Charles Martel :
Age of Charles Martel
(688?-741). In 732 Charles Martel and his barbarian Frankish army fought a battle near Tours, France, that affected
the history of Europe. Their foes were inspired Muslim, or Saracen, troops who were bent on world conquest for
the religion of Islam. In a hundred years the Saracens had established a vast empire that stretched from Persia
(now Iran) westward across northern Africa. They had gained a foothold in Europe by taking Spain. As they advanced
into the region that is now France, the fate of Christian Europe hung in the balance.
Charles met the Muslim forces between Poitiers and Tours. In a fierce and bloody battle the Muslims were defeated
and their leader killed. In later campaigns Charles drove them back into Spain. His vigorous blows earned him the
nickname Martel, from a French word meaning "hammer."
This forceful leader never became king of the Franks. As mayor of the palace under ineffectual Merovingian kings,
however, he was the true ruler. He increased the influence of the Frankish kingdom in wars against the Alemanni,
Bavarians, and Saxons. These and other Germanic tribes had overrun Europe when the Roman Empire crumbled. Only
the Franks established a permanent kingdom.
Charles aided St. Boniface and other missionaries in spreading Christianity and civilization among the barbarians
(see Boniface). He strengthened the hold of the kingdom over the powerful nobles and
bishops who sought to set up independent rule in their districts. He distributed land to his nobles to gain their
loyalty and service as warriors.
Charles prepared the way for his son, Pepin the Short, to gain the Frankish throne. Together they laid the foundation
for the reign of Pepin's son Charlemagne. (See also Charlemagne; Holy
Roman Empire.)
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