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Battle of Tours: Its Significance and Historical Implications

Celeste Neill

01 oct 2018.

On 10 October 732 Frankish General Charles Martel crushed an invading Muslim army at Tours in France , decisively halting the Islamic advance into Europe.

The Islamic advance

After the death of the Prophet Muhammed in 632 AD the speed of the spread of Islam was extraordinary, and by 711 Islamic armies were poised to invade Spain from North Africa. Defeating the Visigothic kingdom of Spain was a prelude to increasing raids into Gaul, or modern France, and in 725 Islamic armies reached as far north as the Vosgues mountains near the modern border with Germany .

Opposing them was the Merovingian Frankish kingdom , perhaps the foremost power in western Europe. However given the seemingly unstoppable nature of the Islamic advance into the lands of the old Roman Empire further Christian defeats seemed almost inevitable.

Map of the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 AD. Image credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 731 Abd al-Rahman, a Muslim warlord north of the Pyrenees who answered to his distant Sultan in Damascus, received reinforcements from North Africa. The Muslims were preparing for a major campaign into Gaul.

The campaign commenced with an invasion of the southern kingdom of Aquitaine, and after defeating the Aquitanians in battle Abd al-Rahman’s army burned their capital of Bordeaux in June 732. The defeated Aquitanian ruler Eudes fled north to the Frankish kingdom with the remnants of his forces in order to plead for help from a fellow Christian, but old enemy: Charles Martel .

Martel’s name meant “the hammer” and he had already many successful campaigns in the name of his lord Thierry IV, mainly against other Christians such as the unfortunate Eudes, who he met somewhere near Paris . Following this meeting Martel ordered a ban , or general summons, as he prepared the Franks for war.

14th century depiction of Charles Martel (middle). Image credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Battle of Tours

Once his army had gathered, he marched to the fortified city of Tours, on the border with Aquitaine, to await the Muslim advance. After three months of pillaging Aquitaine, al-Rahman obliged.

His army outnumbered that of Martel but the Frank had a solid core of experienced armoured heavy infantry who he could rely upon to withstand a Muslim cavalry charge.

With both armies unwilling to enter the bloody business of a Medieval battle but the Muslims desperate to pillage the rich cathedral outside the walls of Tours, an uneasy standoff prevailed for seven days before the battle finally began. With winter coming al-Rahman knew that he had to attack.

The battle began with thundering cavalry charges from Rahman’s army but, unusually for a Medieval battle, Martel’s excellent infantry weathered the onslaught and retained their formation. Meanwhile, Prince Eudes’ Aquitanian cavalry used superior local knowledge to outflank the Muslim armies and attack their camp from the rear.

Christian sources then claim that this caused many Muslim soldiers to panic and attempt to flee to save their loot from the campaign. This trickle became a full retreat, and the sources of both sides confirm that al-Rahman died fighting bravely whilst trying to rally his men in the fortified camp.

The battle then ceased for the night, but with much of the Muslim army still at large Martel was cautious about a possible feigned retreat to lure him out into being smashed by the Islamic cavalry. However, searching the hastily abandoned camp and surrounding area revealed that the Muslims had fled south with their loot. The Franks had won.

Despite the deaths of al-Rahman and an estimated 25,000 others at Tours, this war was not over. A second equally dangerous raid into Gaul in 735 took four years to repulse, and the reconquest of Christian territories beyond the Pyrenees would not begin until the reign of Martel’s celebrated grandson Charlemagne.

Martel would later found the famous Carolingian dynasty in Frankia, which would one day extend to most of western Europe and spread Christianity into the east.

Tours was a hugely important moment in the history of Europe, for though the battle of itself was perhaps not as seismic as some have claimed, it stemmed the tide of Islamic advance and showed the European heirs of Rome that these foreign invaders could be defeated.

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This Day In History : October 10

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Battle of Tours

At the Battle of Tours near Poitiers, France, Frankish leader Charles Martel, a Christian, defeats a large army of Spanish Moors, halting the Muslim advance into Western Europe. Abd-ar-Rahman, the Muslim governor of Cordoba, was killed in the fighting, and the Moors retreated from Gaul, never to return in such force.

Charles was the illegitimate son of Pepin, the powerful mayor of the palace of Austrasia and effective ruler of the Frankish kingdom. After Pepin died in 714 (with no surviving legitimate sons), Charles beat out Pepin’s three grandsons in a power struggle and became mayor of the Franks. He expanded the Frankish territory under his control and in 732 repulsed an onslaught by the Muslims.

Victory at Tours ensured the ruling dynasty of Martel’s family, the Carolingians. His son Pepin became the first Carolingian king of the Franks, and his grandson Charlemagne carved out a vast empire that stretched across Europe.

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The Battle of Tours - 732 AD fr de , en ,

Charles Martel was a ruler of the Carolingian Frankish Empire in the early 8 th century AD. The empire encompassed the territories of much of modern day France, western Germany, Switzerland, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands, and was the dominant Christian power in Western Europe at the time. Having won a civil war between two competing kingdoms in 724, Charles had secured his position as head ruler of the entire Carolingian Empire, but had not yet been granted the title of King.

Although he was constantly repelling Saxon and Bavarian armies, as well as other threats, the empire was for the most part secure. Charles supported St. Boniface and other missionaries in their efforts to convert all remaining German tribes to Christianity as a way of uniting his region. The European continent was slowly becoming more prosperous and stable. But a new threat had begun working its way towards the heart of Western Civilization 100 years prior to Charles’ rule.

Islam Expanding

In the Middle East, the religion of Islam was formed in 622 AD. The region was quickly united under the new religion and then began to conquer more distant lands. By 711 Islamic armies had crossed the Gibraltar Straight and entered into Europe by way of present day Spain. It was from here that they began to set up new kingdoms and seek to conquer other parts of Europe, primarily for plunder of any type of treasure they could find.

The indigenous peoples of Europe referred to the Islamic invaders as the Saracens. From Spain the door stood wide open for the Saracens to enter into France, the conquest of which would have likely been followed by all the rest of Europe, and might have resulted in the banishment of Christianity from the Earth. At this time Christianity was not universally known or practiced, even by those nations which we today regard as the foremost in civilization. Great parts of Britain, Germany, Denmark, and Russia were still pagan and barbarous.

In 712 the Saracens entered into France and began pillaging the region for treasure. In 725 Anbessa, the Saracen governor of Spain, personally leads an army across the Pyrenees Mountains into France and takes the strongly fortified town of Carcassone. During the battle he receives a fatal wound, and the Saracen army retires into the nearby town of Narbonne before retreating back to the safety of Spain.

In 732 the Saracens invade France again under the command of Emir Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi Abd al Rahman. They reach Bordeaux and begin to lay siege to the town when they get word of rich treasures in the Basilica of St. Martin in the city of Tours. They set off towards this area with the intent to plunder it for all it's worth.

Up to this point, the Carolingian Empire, ruled by King Charles, had no need to oppose the Saracens since they had not invaded any of his territories. The area of the Saracens plunder had been Aquitaine, an independent kingdom in southwestern France ruled by King Eude. Having learned of the damage being done to his neighboring kingdom, Charles becomes convinced of the danger presented to his territories. If Aquitaine were to be defeated, his kingdom would surely be next. Charles begins to march an army towards the Saracen invaders to confront them on his own terms.

While Abd al Rahman is advancing towards Tours, he receives intelligence regarding the advance of Charles and his army. He decides to fall back on Poitiers in order to occupy a more advantageous field of battle. Charles, leading an army of such size rarely seen in Europe, crosses the Loire River and joins the remains of the army of Aquitaine.

They come in sight of the Arabs on October 10 th , 732. The enemy spots Charles and his army and at first hesitates. The two armies remain camped, staring each other down, for seven days. Abd al Rahman at last gives the signal to attack. The Saracens rush the Franks with all their might but the Frankish front line holds. The battle rages on until late in the day, when a terrible clamor is heard from behind the Saracen army. It is King Eude, attacking the Saracen camp, stealing all of their ill-gotten plunder. The Saracen army frantically rushes back to protect their possessions.

In this moment of confusion the Franks advance. Abd al Rahman is killed in the chaos. The Saracens regain control of their camp. By this time the sun is beginning to set, and Charles decides to wait until the next day to resume combat, not wanting to risk losing any more troops at night.

The next morning the Franks awake early and assemble their army, expecting to rejoin battle with their enemy. They wait, but no enemy appears. They cautiously approach the Saracen camp and find it completely empty. The Saracens had taken advantage of the night and begun their retreat back towards Spain, leaving most of their plunder behind. As the battlefield was surveyed that day, it was realized that a vast number of Saracen men had been slain. The Franks counted their losses and found that only 1500 of their men had been killed.

Charles is finally proclaimed King of the Carolingian Empire, and for his enormous victory he receives the surname of Martel, "The Hammer". He would later become the grandfather of Charlemagne. The Carolingian Empire becomes the Holy Roman Empire, with Charlemagne proclaimed Emperor by the Pope on Christmas Day, 800 AD. This empire survives for over 1000 years until it is formally dissolved in 1806.

The battle of Tours marks a major turning point in the history of Western Civilization. One where the spread of Islam into Europe was reversed, and Christianity begins to give the people of Europe something more in common with each other. By the year 1000 AD, the continent would be doing fairly well. It would be generally free from foreign attack and steadily creating a more prosperous future.

Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

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Battle Report: Battle of Tours

The Battle of Tours was a conflict between the Umayyad Caliphate and the Kingdom of Francia who had support from Aquitaine. The Umayyad Caliphate, based in Damascus, engaged in rapid expansions that saw their armies conquer the Iberian peninsula. The Umayyad Caliphate led by Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi began advancing into Duke Odo’s territory of Aquitaine in what is now southern France. Duke Odo sought aid from Charles Martel, King of the Franks, and the two united their forces, to apprehend the threat of the Umayyad Caliphate. The foes met each other on October 10, 732. The Frankish forces hoped to catch the Umayyads by surprise as the Umayyads attempted to reach the city of Tours. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Franks, despite being outnumbered and without cavalry. The battle resulted in the abandonment of further expansion into Europe by the Umayyads. The battle of Tours is significant because it arguably preserved Christian dominance over western Europe and had the battle gone the other way, the history of Europe, and the world, could have been vastly different.

Charlemange pictured at the Battle of Tours

Background: The Kingdom of the Franks

The stereotype of Western Europe following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire was that the region immediately descended into chaos and would not recover for centuries. The reality is that even though the Western Roman Empire officially collapsed in 476CE, it began losing real control and influence much sooner. The people living under the control of the Western Roman Empire were not ruled with an iron fist, and as the Western Roman Empire declined, their autonomy increased. A mere twenty years later, a new kingdom with centralized authority rose out of the ashes of Ancient Rome, the Merovingian Dynasty founded by Clovis I. This new kingdom styled themselves, King of the Franks. The Merovingian Dynasty lasted until 751CE. However, the king of the Merovingian Dynasty saw increasingly less power and became largely a ceremonial role. The real power of the Merovingian Dynasty rested with the Mayor of the Palace, who performed the necessary duties of running the Frankish Kingdom( Similar to the modern British constitutional monarchy, where a ceremonial king or queen exists, but the Prime Minister holds most of the power). The Mayor of the Palace at the time was, Charles Martel. Charles would lead to Frankish forces at the Battle of Tours.

Background: The Umayyad Caliphate and its expansion

Following the Prophet Muhammad’s death, the new religion of Islam spread quickly under the armies of the Rashidun Caliphate. The Rashidun Caliphate spread its territory and Islam from the Arabian Peninsula to North Africa and Central Asia. The rule of the Rashidun Caliphate lasted from 632CE-661CE. The Rashidun Caliphate collapsed due to the First Finta or Civil War. The First Finta stemmed from the assassination of Uthman, the 3rd ruler of the Rashidun Caliphate and a member of the Umayyad clan. The First Finta pitted the supporters of Uthman’s cousin, Muawiyah, against the fourth ruler of the Umayyad Caliphate, Ali. The First Finta ended in victory for the supporters of Muawiyah and led to the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Umayyad Caliphate further expanded into North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The Umayyads soon set their sights on Francia or the Kingdom of the Franks. The Umayyads established a base of operations in Narbonne in 720CE. The Umayyads seized several cities in Southern France that belonged to Visigothic counts without much resistance. The Umayyad Caliphate invaded the duchy of Aquitaine ruled by Duke Odo. Temporarily met with resistance, The Umayyads shifted their attention eastward and made some advances. In 730CE Duke Odo made a fateful alliance with a Berber commander who would soon be considered a traitor. The Umayyads would not let Duke Odo’s actions and the Umayyads invaded Aquitaine. Odo suffered heavy losses at the Battle of the River Garonne and it appeared his Duchy would be overrun. Desperate, Odo turned to an enemy, the Frankish Kingdom, the Merovingian Dynasty led by the Mayor of the Palace, Charles Martel. In exchange for submitting to Charles’ authority, Odo received military assistance from Charles. The two sides were ready to face their common enemy.

The Battle of Tours

Charles and Odo deployed their forces composed almost entirely of heavy infantry, in a dense phalanx on top of a hill. The hill had dense trees in front in an attempt to hamper the Umayyad cavalry. While exact numbers for the strength of both sides exist, it is agreed that Franks was outnumbered. Tactically, Charles ordered his men to stay in their phalanx and wait for the Umayyad cavalry to charge them. As he had hoped, the Umayyad cavalry began the battle with cavalry charges. The Frankish army repelled the Umayyad cavalry but the turning point in the battle came when Charles sent some of his scouts to divert the attention of the Umayyad army. Charles’ scouts threatened the spoils of war the Umayyads carried to the battlefield from previous contests. When the Umayyad cavalry caught wind of this, a significant chunk of them returned to the army camp to try and protect their loot and their women, as it was said that some of the Umayyad soldiers brought their wives. This gave the impression of a full-fledged retreat. This impression of a retreat actually led to a real one and the entirety of the Umayyad army fled the battlefield. Within this chaos, the commander of the Umayyad forces, Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi became surrounded by Frankish warriors and died. The Umayyad army left in such haste that they reportedly left their tents. The Frankish forces did not realize exactly what had happened and made camp for the night. The next day, the Franks reorganized their phalanx, only to find the Umayyads nowhere to be found! The Franks feared they had been outflanked or were facing an ambush. However, after extensive scouting and intelligence, the Franks realized the Umayyads had fully disappeared. The Franks, despite being outnumbered, delivered a smashing victory that halted the Umayyads advances into Europe.

The Battle of Tours is unquestionably a noteworthy battle, but what exactly were its impacts om history. First, and most importantly, the Battle of Tours halted the spread of Islam into Western Europe. The Battle ended the First Umayyad invasion of modern-day France. The second invasion occurred from 735-739CE and arguably posed a greater threat. Although Charles did manage to resist the invasion, it ended largely because of turmoil within the Umayyad army. From a typical Western view, the Battle of Tours is a landmark battle that preserved Christian hegemony. This may not be entirely true, but if the Umayyads triumphed at Tours, Western Europe would be religiously diverse and as a result, may have been more divided. France engaged in a de facto Civil War during the French Wars of Religion. Imagine in the Middle Ages if parts of France practiced Christianity, while others practiced Islam. A similar history to Spain might have occurred, with a divided nation and then a Reconquista by one kingdom. The other key effect of the Battle of Tours was Charles Martel's rise to power. Charles continued to be Mayor of the Palace which meant he held the real power in the Frankish Kingdom. In 737CE, the King, Theuderic IV, died but no successor was named. Charles essentially ruled as King until his death in 741CE. Charles' son Pepin the Short became king and established the rule of the Carolingian Dynasty. The Battle of Tours arguably preserved Christian rule over Western Europe and the history of Western Europe as we know it.

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The early medieval world of our ancestors was built upon struggles and decisive battles. The emerging nations united the broken tribes, expanded their borders, conquered their enemies, and often enough - fended off invaders. But rare are the battles that really left a long lasting impact that echoed through the generations that followed.

Rare are such conflicts that changed the history of the world with their importance and decided the future of us all for centuries to come. And one of those rare, world-changing battles is the Battle of Tours - fought in 732 AD between the Christian Frankish forces and the invading Muslim Umayyad Caliphate.

This fierce and destructive conflict, that shaped the future of Europe and echoed through time, was a great gamble, fought against all odds. But it remains as one of the biggest lessons of Europe’s past, and today we are going in detail about that fated day in 732.

A triumphant Charles Martel (mounted) faces Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi (right) at the Battle of Tours. Source: Bender235 / Public Domain .

The Prelude to the Battle of Tours

Around the very beginning of the 8 th century, in the year 700 AD, the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate was rapidly spreading its empire around the world. It was the second of the four great caliphates that emerged after the death of Muhammad and was one of the largest empires of the world at the time.

After conquering the lands of North Africa, they saw mainland Europe as the next prey for their conquests. From the shores of North Africa, they had a clear passage - in the form of the Gibraltar Strait. This would allow their forces to cross over onto the Iberian Peninsula , from which they would spread further inland.

At the time, Iberia was under the control of the Visigothic Kingdom, a centralized state under the rule of King Roderic. Nonetheless, the Umayyads crossed the strait in the year 711 AD, under the leadership of one Tariq ibn Ziyad, and soon after clashed with the Visigothic army in the Battle of Guadalete, in the same year, in the very south of Iberia.

The "Age of the Caliphs", shows the Umayyad dominance stretched from the Middle East to the Iberian Peninsula, including the port of Narbonne, c. 720. (McZusatz / Public Domain )

At the time of the Umayyad invasion, King Roderic was far in the north, attempting to fight a Basque rebellion. This unfortunately placed him in a bad situation, as he was forced to a long march south, to face this much bigger enemy. In the end, the Visigoths were defeated in the face of the overwhelming Muslim cavalry.

In the battle, King Roderic and most of the nobles of his kingdom lost their lives, which allowed the Umayyads to effectively conquer Iberia, step by step. This they managed in just a little under seven years. And once Iberia was theirs, Frankish Gaul was just a step away.

The only thing that divided the Umayyads from their prey - the Frankish Kingdom - were the Pyrenees Mountains . This was a fitting natural barrier - but it was in no way untraversable. In time, the Umayyads began crossing over and making incursions into the very south of Gaul. By 720 they conquered the southern province of Septimania.

In the following year, they focused on the large city to the immediate west, Toulouse, which they besieged. This siege was brought to an end by the prominent Frankish Duke Odo - who managed to overwhelm the Umayyad forces outside Toulouse and defeat them. Nonetheless, large numbers of Umayyads kept crossing over the Pyrenees and laying waste to the southern provinces of Gaul.

The Duchy of Aquitaine laid in the south and faced the brunt of this invasion. Its largest towns, Bordeaux and Toulouse were ravaged, and in no time the invaders reached even the Duchy of Burgundy to its north.

But it wasn’t until 732 that the Umayyad Caliphate truly amassed its forces with proper conquering intentions and adequate strength. The man that was at the head of this force was Abdul Rahman al Ghafiqi, the then-Governor General of Muslim Iberia. He led his forces across the Pyrenees once again and plundered the land and all the cities he came across.

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Abdul Rahman al Ghafiqi led his troops over the Pyrenees Mountains toward the Battle of Tours. (Jean-Christophe BENOIST / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

The Umayyads greatly coveted riches, and their main activity during this conquest was plunder. After completely ransacking Bordeaux once again, the Umayyad forces faced Duke Odo once more. Odo led his army in an attempt to stop the invasion as he did a few years before.

But this time, he was terribly outnumbered and outmaneuvered, and his forces were crushed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, and that his own lands of Aquitaine were overrun, Odo fled to the north seeking assistance from the de-facto ruler of the Frankish Kingdom - Charles Martel.

Before the Umayyad invasion Odo and Charles were enemies. Charles sought to expand his lordship over Aquitaine and Odo saw the Franks as invaders. But with this new and much greater threat, Odo had no choice but to seek help from the Franks. Charles Martel agreed to join up with him, but the “price” was Odo’s acceptance of Frankish overlordship. Odo agreed.

The Hammer Enters the Fray

Charles Martel was a seasoned ruler and a battle hardened veteran. His troops were equally experienced having been in constant clashes along the eastern borders of their kingdom, fighting neighboring tribes.

Charles also understood how important the situation was and began gathering his levies from all over the north. And he would show his shrewdness as a battle commander, when he carefully understood the intentions of his enemy.

Meanwhile, the Umayyad forces moved slowly across the Frankish lands, their forces spread into war parties that ravaged the countryside and amassed an enormous amount of plunder. This “greedy” focus on war booty would greatly influence their future undoing. They had to take their time, as they greatly depended on the crop season for their food source.

But their destination was clear to Charles Martel. It was the rich city of Tours - prominent and wealthy, filled with abbeys of great importance. Thus, Charles placed his Frankish forces directly on the path of the coming Umayyads. He situated his army roughly in between the city of Tours and the ravaged town of Poitiers further south.

The Franks were placed close to the confluence of rivers Clain and Vienne, on a slightly elevated and forested hill. Charles Martel deliberately and shrewdly chose this position. First of all - he was outnumbered and knew it.

Map of the Battle of Tours with the position of Charles Martel's army. (Evzen M / Public Domain )

Thus he chose the cover of the forest to displace his troops and hide his number in hope to not reveal his disadvantage. Secondly - he chose a place where the Umayyads would have to enter into battle, as the only crossing over the rivers was behind the Frankish forces. Thirdly - the forest protected his troops - mainly the second lines - from the full brunt of a cavalry charge, and somewhat protected his sides from flanking attacks.

When the Umayyads approached the assembled Christian army, their leader Abdul Rahman al Ghafiqi - also a seasoned commander - knew that Charles Martel took the upper hand, by choosing his preferred place of battle. Even so, al Ghafiqi trusted in his strength and deployed for battle.

One thing he must have noticed is the difference in the troops - Umayyads relied heavily on cavalry, while the Franks were mostly footmen. But he failed to take several things into account.

The Muslim cavalry was lightly armored - they preferred to adorn themselves with chainmail and not much else in terms of armor. Riches and trinkets were much more to their liking.

They also rode willful Arabic horses, which were difficult to break in, and thus not the truly perfect cavalry mounts. Some historians also mention that this cavalry was in large part armed with spears - which were unseasoned and would break on first impact.

The Muslim cavalry rode willful Arabic horses during the Battle of Tours. (Trzęsacz / Public Domain )

On the other hand, the Frankish infantry was thoroughly seasoned. Most of the army were veterans, with only a small part of fresh recruits reserved in the second lines. They were well armored for the time, and well-armed as well. They stood packed in tight lines and ready for a cavalry charge.

But the battle did not begin immediately. The opposing forces “tested the waters”, with sporadic small skirmishes going on for seven days.

This was in truth a deliberate stalling from al Ghafiqi, who waited for his whole army to assemble fully. In the end, with the Umayyads fearing the approaching winter, they commenced battle on the seventh day - on the 10th of October 732 AD.

The Umayyad Wave That Broke On the Frankish Rock

The Umayyad commander, al Ghafiqi, heavily relied on his cavalry, even though he didn’t possess much knowledge about the assembled enemy. He sent waves of cavalry charges in an attempt to break the Frankish lines - but this did not happen. The seasoned Franks were tightly packed - shoulder to shoulder - and withstood all assaults.

The rare combination of slight elevation, good arms and armor, and tree cover allowed them to hold their ground - when it was almost impossible for infantry to hold against cavalry in medieval times. Even when some small parts of the line faltered and broke under the cavalry, the fresh second lines were quick to react - sealing the gap.

Frankish knight fighting against an Umayyad horseman. (Helix84 / Public Domain )

As the battle went on in that way, Duke Odo commenced a crucial flanking operation that greatly tipped the scales in Frankish favor. He gathered a cavalry force and flanked wide - reaching the distant Muslim encampment - i.e. their rear. This was where the Umayyad tents were and all of their abundant plunder.

Odo managed to inflict great losses here, retrieve the precious plunder, free around 200 captive Franks, and draw the eye of the enemy. But what happened next was more than he hoped for. Upon realizing that their camp and their plunder were under attack, many Umayyad units from the central battlefield rushed back in a frenzy to save their loot.

This was an unprecedented situation, one that al Ghafiqi never expected. His attempts at rallying his troops were in vain, and Charles Martel - who knew exactly what he was doing - seized this opportunity.

As the Umayyad forces dissipated to retrieve the loot, he swung his forces from left, right, and center, and engaged in both pursuit and encirclement. The remaining body of the Umayyads was surrounded and suffered immense casualties.

The chief of these was al Ghafiqi himself - who fell in battle while attempting to rally his troops. Meanwhile, Duke Odo swung north again and cut off the fleeing Umayyads, inflicting great losses. In effect, the Umayyad forces fled.

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Charles Martel gathered his cavalry at Battle of Tours and attacked the Umayyad encampment. (Levan Ramishvili / Public Domain )

Now, Charles Martel expected a second day of battles and remained in his position, treating the wounded and re-organizing. But another day never came. The Umayyads, with their commander dead, could not successfully organize another attack or choose a fitting leader. They had suffered great losses as well.

Charles Martel feared an ambush and would not descend from the hill at any cost. Eventually, he sent out extensive reconnaissance parties to survey the Umayyad forces - but only to learn that there were none. They had gathered all the remaining plunder they could and fled during the night - extremely hastily. They had returned to Iberia.

Charles Martel won a crushing and glorious victory that cemented his reputation of a noble and capable leader. He was praised all across Europe as the savior of the Christendom and the “Hammer that Broke the Muslims”. Thus he earned his nickname - Martel - meaning Charles the Hammer.

He subsequently expanded his rule over Aquitaine and successfully isolated the invaders to the southern region of Septimania, where they remained for another 27 years and were completely unable to break through. Charles’ wealth, influence, power, and ability led to the emergence of the Carolingian dynasty , which would rise and last for centuries to follow.

Charles Martel's military campaigns in Aquitaine, Septimania, and Provence after the Battle of Tour-Poitiers (734–742). (Iñaki LLM / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Changing the Future of the World

The Europe of the early 18 th century desperately needed a capable and strong commander that would stop the Muslim Umayyad invaders dead in their tracks. And that commander was Charles Martel. He stood up to ravaging flood of conquerors and using his superior tactics, shrewdness, and reputation, he managed to win a crushing battle - against all odds. Like a beacon that kept burning throughout a storm, his Frankish warriors defied their enemy in battle. And it is this battle that changed the course of European history, and with that - the history of the World.

Top image: Medieval soldier at war. Credit: Andrey Kiselev / Adobe Stock

By Aleksa Vučković

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I am a published author of over ten historical fiction novels, and I specialize in Slavic linguistics. Always pursuing my passions for writing, history and literature, I strive to deliver a thrilling and captivating read that touches upon history's most... Read More

The making of a world historical moment: The Battle of Tours (732/3) in the nineteenth century

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Published: 17 July 2019
Volume 10 , pages 206–218, ( 2019 )

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The Battle of Tours (or Poitiers) in 732/3 is frequently cited as a turning point in world history, when the advance of Muslim Arabs was decisively halted by the Christian army of Frankish mayor Charles Martel. Yet the battle and its reputation seem relatively modest in the earliest sources, with little sense that conquest or religious tensions were key issues. This paper explores how the importance of the battle became amplified in grand historical narratives produced across Europe and in the U.S. in the nineteenth century, as historians contributed to arguments about national and religious identities. It highlights in particular the ways that historians, from Michelet to Oman, were led by their own dispositions in speculating about what could have happened had the result been different. In the process, although their interpretations often differed, debate about the battle generated the legend popular in modern political discourse.

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Palmer, J.T. The making of a world historical moment: The Battle of Tours (732/3) in the nineteenth century. Postmedieval 10 , 206–218 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41280-019-00126-y

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Battle of Tours (732 A.D.)

The Battle of Tours (often called the Battle of Poitiers, but not to be confused with the Battle of Poitiers, 1356) was fought on October 10, 732 between forces under the Frankish leader Charles Martel and a massive invading Islamic army led by Emir Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi Abd al Rahman, near the city of Tours, France. During the battle, the Franks defeated the Islamic army and Emir Abd er Rahman was killed. This battle stopped the northward advance of Islam from the Iberian peninsula, and is considered by most historians to be of macrohistorical importance, in that it halted the Islamic conquests, and preserved Christianity as the controlling faith in Europe, during a period in which Islam was overrunning the remains of the old Roman and Persian Empires.

Franks, led by Charles Martel. Estimates of the Frankish army defending Gaul vary, but by most accounts were between 15,000 and 75,000. Losses according to St. Denis were about 1,500.

Muslims, between 60,000 and 400,000 cavalry, (most likely closer to the lower number) under Abd er Rahman; besides source differences, this army is difficult to estimate in size, since it was often fractured into raiding parties to carry out the pillaging and plundering of various richly cultured Frankish centers; however, the entire Muslim army was present at Tours by Arab accounts. During the six days he waited to begin the Battle, Abd er Rahman recalled all those columns raiding and pillaging, so that on the seventh day, when by both eastern and western accounts the Battle began, both armies were at full strength.

The Muslims in northern Spain had easily overrun Septimania, had set up a capital at Narbonne which they called Arbuna, giving its largely Arian inhabitants honorable terms, and quickly pacified the south and for some years threatened Frankish territories. Duke Odo of Aquitaine, also known as Eudes the Great, had decisively defeated a major invasion force in 721 at the Battle of Toulouse, but Arab raids continued, in 725 reaching as far as the city of Autun in Burgundy. Threatened by both the Arabs in the south and by the Franks in the north, in 730 Eudes allied himself with Uthman ibn Naissa, called "Munuza" by the Franks, the Berber emir in what would later become Catalonia. As a gage, Uthman was given Eudes's daughter Lampade in marriage to seal the alliance, and Arab raids across the Pyrenees, Eudes' southern border, ceased [1].

However, the next year, Uthman rebelled against the governor of al-Andalus, Abd er Rahman. Abd er Rahman quickly crushed the revolt, and next directed his attention against the traitor's former ally, Eudes. According to one unidentified Arab, "That army went through all places like a desolating storm." Duke Eudes (called King by some), collected his army at Bordeaux, but was defeated, and Bordeaux was plundered. The slaughter of Christians at the River Garonne was evidently horrific; Isidorus Pacensis commented that "solus Deus numerum morientium vel pereuntium recognoscat", 'God alone knows the number of the slain' (Chronicon). The Muslim horsemen then utterly devastated that portion of Gaul, their own histories saying the "faithful pierced through the mountains, tramples over rough and level ground, plunders far into the country of the Franks, and smites all with the sword, insomuch that when Eudo came to battle with them at the River Garonne, and fled." Eudes appealed to the Franks for assistance, which Charles Martel only granted after Eudes agreed to submit to Frankish authority.

In 732, the Arab advance force was proceeding north toward the River Loire having already outpaced their supply train and a large part of their army. Essentially, having easily destroyed all resistance in that part of Gaul, the invading army had split off into several raiding parties, simply looting and destroying, while the main body advanced more slowly. A military explanation for why Eudes was defeated so easily at Bordeaux, after having won 11 years earlier at Battle of Toulouse, was simple. At Toulouse, Eudes managed a basic surprise attack against an overconfident and unprepared foe, all of whose defensive works were aimed inward, while he attacked from the outside. The Arab cavalary never got a chance to mobilize and meet him in open battle. At Bordeaux, they did, and resulted in absolute devastation of Eudes army, almost all of whom were killed, with minimal losses to the Muslims. Eudes forces, like other European troops of that era, lacked stirrups, and therefore had no armoured cavalry. Virtually all of their troops were infantry. The Muslim heavy cavalry broke the Christian infantry in their first charge, and then simply slaughtered them at will as they broke and ran. The invading force then went on to devastate southern Gaul, preparing it for complete conquest. One of the major raiding parties advanced on Tours. A possible motive, according to the second continuator of Fredegar, was the riches of the Abbey of Saint Martin of Tours, the most prestigious and holiest shrine in western Europe at the time. Upon hearing this, Austrasia Mayor of the Palace Charles Martel, collected his army of an estimated 15-75,000 veterans, and marched south avoiding the old Roman roads hoping to take the Muslims by surprise.

Despite the great importance of this battle, its exact location remains unknown. Most historians assume that the two armies met each other where the rivers Clain and Vienne join between Tours and Poitiers.

Charles chose to begin the battle in a defensive, phalanx-like formation. According to the Arabian sources they drew up in a large square. Certainly, given the disparity between the armies, in that the Franks were mostly infantry, all without armour, against mounted and Arab armored or mailed horsemen, (the Berbers were less heavily protected) Charles Martel fought a brilliant defensive battle. In a place and time of his choosing, he met a far superior force, and defeated it.

For six days, the two armies watched each other with just minor skirmishes. The Muslims waited for their full strength to arrive, which it did, but they were still uneasy. No good general, and Abd er Rahman was one, liked to let his opponent pick the ground and conditions for battle -- and Martel had done both. Creasy says, and his theory is probably best, that the Muslims best strategic choice would have been to simply decline battle, depart with their loot, garrisoning the captured towns in southern Gaul, and return when they could force Martel to a battleground more to their liking, one that maximized the huge advantage they had of the first true "knights" mailed and amoured horsemen -- the Franks, without stirrups in wide use, had to depend on unarmoured foot soldiers. Martel gambled everything that Abd er Rahman would in the end feel compelled to battle, and to go on and loot Tours. Neither of them wanted to attack. The Franks were well dressed for the cold, and had the terrain advantage. The Arabs were not as prepared for the intense cold, but did not want to attack what they thought might be a numerically superior Frankish army. (most historians believe it was not) Essentially, the Arabs wanted the Franks to come out in the open, while the Franks, formed in a tightly packed defensive formation, wanted them to come uphill, into the trees, (negating at once some of the advantages of their cavalry). It became a waiting game, which Martel won. The fight commenced on the seventh day, as Abd er Rahman did not want to postpone the battle indefinitely.

Abd er Rahman trusted the tactical superiority of his cavalry, and had them charge repeatedly. This time the faith the Muslims had in their cavalry, armed with their long lances and swords which had brought them victory in previous battles, was not justified.

In one of the rare instances where medieval infantry stood up against cavalry charges, the disciplined Frankish soldiers withstood the assaults, though according to Arab sources, the Arab cavalry several times broke into the interior of the Frankish square. But despite this, Franks did not break, and it is probably best expressed by a translation of an Arab account of the battle from the Medieval Source Book: "And in the shock of the battle the men of the North seemed like North a sea that cannot be moved. Firmly they stood, one close to another, forming as it were a bulwark of ice; and with great blows of their swords they hewed down the Arabs. Drawn up in a band around their chief, the people of the Austrasians carried all before them. Their tireless hands drove their swords down to the breasts of the foe."

It might have been different, however, had the Muslim forces remained under control. According to Muslim accounts of the battle, in the midst of the fighting on the second day, scouts from the Franks began to raid the camp and supply train (including slaves and other plunder). A large portion of the army broke off and raced back to their camp to save their plunder. What appeared to be a retreat soon became one. While attempting to restore order to his men, who had managed to break into the defensive square, Abd er Rahman was surrounded by Franks and killed.

According to a Frankish source, the battle lasted one day. Frankish histories claim that when the rumor went through the Arab army that Frankish cavalry threatened the booty they had taken from Bordeaux, (Charles supposedly had sent scouts to cause chaos in the Muslim base camp, and free as many of the slaves as possible, hoping to draw off part of his foe, it succeeded beyond his wildest dreams), many of the Muslim Cavalry returned to their camp. This, to the rest of the Muslim army, appeared to be a full-scale retreat, and soon it was one. Both histories agree that while attempting to stop the retreat, Abd er Rahman became surrounded, which led to his death, and the Muslims returned to their camp.

The next day, when the Muslims did not renew the battle, the Franks feared an ambush. Only after extensive reconnaissance by Frankish soldiers of the Muslim camp was it discovered that the Muslims had retreated during the night.

The Arab army retreated south over the Pyrenees. Charles earned his nickname Martel, meaning hammer, in this battle. He continued to drive the Muslims from France in subsequent years. After Eudes died, who had been forced to acknowledge, albeit reservedly, the suzerainty of Charles in 719, his son wished independence. Though Charles wished to unite the duchy directly to himself and went there to elicit the proper homage of the Aquitainians, the nobility proclaimed Odo's son, Hunold, whose dukedom Charles recognised when the Arabs invaded Provence the next year. Hunold, who originally resisted acknowledging Charles as overlord, had no choice when the Muslims returned.

In 736 the Caliphate launched another massive invasion -- this time by sea. This naval Arab invasion was headed by Abdul Rahman's son. It landed in Narbonne in 736 and took Arles. Charles, the conflict with Hunold put aside, descended on the Proven�al strongholds of the Muslims. In 736, he retook Montfrin and Avignon, and Arles and Aix-en-Provence with the help of Liutprand, King of the Lombards. N�mes, Agde, and B�ziers, held by Isalm since 725, fell to him and their fortresses destroyed. He smashed a Muslim force at the River Berre, and prepared to meet their primary invasion force at Narbonne. He defeated a mighty host outside of that city, using for the first time, heavy cavalry of his own, which he used in coordination with his planax. He crushed the Muslim army, though outnumbered, but failed to take the city. Provence, however, he successfully rid of its foreign occupiers.

Notable about these campaigns was Charles' incorporation, for the first time, of heavy cavalry with stirrups to augment his phalanx. His ability to coordinate infantry and cavalry veterans was unequaled in that era and enabled him to face superior numbers of invaders, and decisively defeat them again and again. Some historians believe Narbonne in particular was as imporant a victory for Christian Europe as Tours. Charles was that rarest of commonities in the dark ages: a brilliant stategic general, who also was a tactical commander par excellance, able in the crush and heat of battle to adapt his plans to his foes forces and movement -- and amazingly, defeated them repeatedly, especially when, as at Tours, they were far superior in men and weaponry, and at Berre and Narbonne, when they were superior in numbers of brave fighting men. Charles had the last quality which defines genuine greatness in a military commander: he foresaw the dangers of his foes, and prepared for them with care; he used ground, time, place, and fierce loyalty of his troops to offset his foes superior weaponry and tactics; third, he adapted, again and again, to the enemy on the battlefield, cooly shifting to compensate for the foreseen and unforeseeable.

The importance of these campaigns, Tours and the later campaigns of 736-7 in putting an end to Muslim bases in Gaul, and any immediate ability to expand Islamic influence in Europe, cannot be overstated. Gibbons and his generation of historians, and the majority of modern experts agree with them that they were unquestionably decisive in world history. Despite these victories, the Arabs remained in control of Narbonne and Septimania for another 27 years, but could not expand further than that. The treaties reached earlier with the local population stood firm and were further consolidated in 734 when the governor of Narbonne, Yusuf ibn 'Abd al-Rahman al-Fihri, concluded agreements with several towns on common defense arrangements against the encroachments of Charles Martel, who had systematically brought the south to heel as he extended his domains. He believed, and rightly so, that it was vital to keep the Muslims in Iberia, and not allow them a foothold in Gaul itself. Though he won the battle of Narbonne when the army there came out to meet him, Charles failed in his attempt to take Narbonne by siege in 737, when the city was jointly defended by its Muslim Arab and Christian Visigoth citizens. It was left to his son, Pippin the short, to force the city's surrender, in 759, and to drive the Arabs completely back to Iberia, and bring Narbonne into the Frankish Domains. His Grandson, Charlamagne, became the first Christian ruler to actually begin what would be called the Reconquista from Europe proper. In the east of the peninsula the Frankish emperors established the Marca Hispanica across the Pyrenees in part of what today is Catalonia, reconquering Girona in 785 and Barcelona in 801. This formed a buffer zone against Islam across the Pyrenees.

Tours in history

In Western history

Christian contemporaries, from Bede to Theophanes carefully recorded the battle and were keen to spell out what they saw as its implications. Later scholars, such as Edward Gibbon, would contend that had Martel fallen, the Moors would have easily conquered a divided Europe. Gibbon wrote that "A victorious line of march had been prolonged above a thousand miles from the rock of Gibraltar to the banks of the Loire; the repetition of an equal space would have carried the Saracens to the confines of Poland and the Highlands of Scotland; the Rhine is not more impassable than the Nile or Euphrates, and the Arabian fleet might have sailed without a naval combat into the mouth of the Thames. Perhaps the interpretation of the Qur'an would now be taught in the schools of Oxford, and her pulpits might demonstrate to a circumcised people the sanctity and truth of the revelation of Muhammed." Certainly, the Islamic invasions were an enormous danger during the window of 721 from Toulouse to 737 at the Arab defeat at Narbonne. But the window was closing. The unified Caliphate collapsed into civil war in 750 at the Battle of the Zab which left the Umayyad dynasty literally wiped out except for the Princes who escaped to Africa, and then Iberia, where they established the Umayyad Emirate in opposition to the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad.

Both ancient, mid, and modern historians agree that Martel was the father of western heavy cavalry, and literally stole the technoloy from his slain foe! He had no trouble using his enemies tools against them, no pride stopped him from seizing any advantage he could in defending his faith, his father's home and homeland, and his people, from what he saw was a danger that would destroy them if not checked. His foresight in moving to strike first, to stop them short of his "front door," reminds one of Winston Churchill's famous statement, that "it is better to fight in your neighbors back yard, than have to defend your own front door." In 5 short years, from the Battle of Tours, to the Battle of Narbonne, he fathered western heavy cavalry, and used it in conjunction with his planax with devastating effect.

In the modern era, Norwich, the most widely read authority on the Eastern Roman Empire, says the Franks halting Muslim Expansion at Tours literally preserved Christianity as we know it. A more realistic viewpoint may be found in Barbarians, Marauders, and Infidels by Antonio Santosuosso, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Western Ontario, and considered an expert historian in the era in dispute in this article. It was published in 2004, and has quite an interesting modern expert opinion on Charles Martel, Tours, and the subsequent campaigns against Rahman's successor in 736-737. Santosuosso makes a compelling case that these defeats of invading Muslim Armies, were at least as important as Tours in their defense of western Christianity, and the preservation of those Christian monastaries and centers of learning which ultimately led Europe out of the dark ages. He also makes a compelling case that while Tours was unquestionably of macrohistorical importance, the later battles were at least equally so. Both invading forces defeated in those campaigns had come to set up permanent outposts for expansion, and there can be no doubt that these three defeats combined broke the back of European expansion by Islam while the Caliphate was still united. While some modern assessments of the battle's impact have backed away from the extreme of Gibbon's position, Gibbons's conjecture is supported by other historians such as Edward Shepard Creasy and William E. Watson. Most modern historians such as Norwich and Santosuosso generally support the concept of Tours as a macrohistorical event favoring western civilization and Christianity . Military writers such as Robert W. Martin, "The Battle of Tours is still felt today", also argue that Tours was such a turning point in favor of western civilization and Christianity that its aftereffect remains to this day.

In Arab history

Contemporary Arab historians and chroniclers are much more interested in the second Umayyad siege Arab defeat at Constantinople in 718, which ended in a disastrous defeat. After the first Arab siege of Constantinople (674-678) ended in complete failure, the Arabs Umayyad Caliphate attempted a second decisive attack on the city. An 80,000 strong army led by Maslama, the brother of Caliph Umar II, crossed the Bosporus from Anatolia to besiege Constantinople by land, while a massive fleet of Arab war galleys, estimated between 1,800 and 2,000, sailed into the Sea of Marmara to the south of the city. Fortunately for the Byzantines, the great chain kept the fleet from entering the inner harbor, and the Arab galleys were unable to sail up the Bosporus as they were under constant attack and harassment by the Greek fleet, who used Greek fire to level the differences in numbers. (The Byzantine fleet was less than a third of the Arab, but Greek fire swiftly evened the numbers). Emperor Leo III was able to use the famed Walls of Constantinople to his advantage and the Arab army was unable to breach them. (it must be noted that Bulgar forces had come to the aid of the Byzantines, and constantly harassed the Muslim army, and definitely disrupted resupply to the point that much of the army was close to starvation by the time the siege was abandoned. Some Muslim historians have argued that had the Caliph recalled his armies from Europe to aid in the siege, the city might have been taken by land, despite the legendary walls - such a recall would have doubled the army laying siege, allowed a full attack while still beating off Bulgar forces attempting to end the siege by harassing the army from outside while the defenders held the walls.

Some contemporary historians argue that had the Arabs actually wished to conquer Europe they could easily have done so. Essentially these historians argue that the Arabs were not interested enough to mount a major invasion, because Northern Europe at that time was considered to be a socially, culturally and economically backward area with little to interest any invaders. Some western scholars, such as Bernard Lewis, agree with this stance, though they are in a minority.

This is also disputed by Arab histories of the period circa 722-850 which mentioned the Franks more than any other Christian people save the Byzantines, (The Arabian chronicles were compiled and translated into Spanish by Jos� Antonio Conde, in his "Historia de la Dominaci�n de los �rabes en Espa�a", published at Madrid in 1820, and in dealing specifically with this period, the Arab chronicles discuss the Franks as one of two non-Muslim Powers then concerning the Caliphate). Further, this is disputed by the records of the Islamic raids into India and other non-Muslim states for loot and converts. Given the great wealth in Christian shrines such as the one at Tours, Islamic expansion into that area would have been likely had it not been sharply defeated in 732, 736, and 737 by Martel, and internal strife in the Islamic world prevented later efforts. Other relevant evidence of the importance of this battle lies in Islamic expansion into all other regions of the old Roman Empire -- except for Europe, and what was retained by Byzantium, the Caliphate took all of the old Roman and Persian Empires. It is not likely Gaul would have been spared save by the campaigns by, and the loyalty of, Charles Martel's veteran Frankish Army. Finally, it ignores that 4 separate Emirs of al-Andalus, over a 25 year period used a Fatwa from the Caliph to levy troops from all provinces of Africa, Syria, and even Turkomens who were beginning conversion, to raise 4 huge invading armies, well supplied and equipped, with the intention of permanent expansion across the Pyrenees into Europe. No such later attempts however were made as conflict between the Umayyad Emirate of Iberia and the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad prevented a unified assault on Europe.

Given the importance Arab histories of the time placed on the death of Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi Abd al Rahman and the defeat in Gaul, and the subsequent defeat and destruction of Muslim bases in what is now France, it seems reasonably certain that this battle did have macrohistorical importance in stopping westward Islamic expansion. Arab histories written during that period and for the next seven centuries make clear that Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi Abd al Rahman's defeat and death was regarded, and most scholars believe, as a catastrophe of major proportions. Their own words record it best: (translated from Arabic) "This deadly defeat of the Moslems, and the loss of the great leader and good cavalier, Abderrahman, took place in the hundred and fifteenth year." (Islamic Calendar) This, from the portion of the history of the Umayyad Caliphate, and the great Arab period of expansion, also translated into Spanish by Don Jose Antonio Conde, in his "Historia de la Dominacion de los Arabos en Espa�a," appears to put the importance of the Battle of Tours in macrohistorical perspective.

Contemporary analysis

Had Martel fallen at Tours the long term implications for European Christianity may have been devastating. His victory there, and in the following campaigns, may have literally saved Europe and Christianity as we know it, from conquest while the Caliphate was unified and able to mount such a conquest. Had the Franks fallen, no other power existed stopping Muslim conquest of Italy and the effective end of what would become the modern Catholic Church. In addition, Martel's incorporation of the stirrup and mailed cavalry into the Frankish army gave birth to the armoured Knights which would form the backbone of western armies for the next five centuries. But had Martel failed, there would have been no Charlemagne, no Holy Roman Empire or Papal States. The majority view argues that all these events occurred because Martel was able to contain Islam from expanding into Europe while it could. His son retook Narbonne, and his Grandson Charlamagne actually established the Marca Hispanica across the Pyrenees in part of what today is Catalonia, reconquering Girona in 785 and Barcelona in 801. This formed a permanent buffer zone against Islam, with Frankish strongholds in Iberia, which became the basis, along with the King of Asturias, named Pelayo (718-737, who started his fight against the Moors in the mountains of Covadonga 722) for the origins of the Reconquista until all of the Muslims were expelled from the Iberia.

No later Muslim attempts against Asturias or the Franks was made as conflict between what remained of the Umayyad Dynasty, (which was the Umayyad Emirate and then Caliphate of Iberia) and the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad prevented a unified assault on Europe. It would be another 700 years before the Ottomans managed to invade Europe via the Balkans.

The Battle of Tours

In 732 CE, a battle in southern Europe, now largely forgotten outside of Europe and university courses, started a titanic shift in the power balance between Christian and Muslim forces in Europe - the Battle of Tours. In what is today France, Umayyad Muslim forces invaded Gaul (France) from Iberia (Spain) but were checked by the grandfather of the future Frankish emperor Charlemagne. This grandfather of Charlemagne, Charles Martel, probably has one of the coolest nicknames known to history, Charles “the Hammer.” Why was this battle so pivotal and what was the impact? Well read on and you’ll find out.

We are going to start this article with helping you understand who the primary figures are, first with factions, then with people. Our first faction, the Umayyads, were a large caliphate or empire and were the second caliphate created after the death of Muhammad. The Umayyad Caliphate spread from the borders of modern-day India to Spain. They had their main capital in Damascus but had regional hubs in North Africa and Spain, with their main Spanish city being modern day Cordoba. They were overthrown by the Abbasids in 750, but due to the sheer size of the Umayyad empire, they survived in part with their new capital being Cordoba, eventually becoming known to Christian sources as the Moors. The next major faction is the Franks/Gauls – a name for a collection of tribes (the name first popped up in the 3rd century CE), becoming a centralized people, that gives us the modern-day English name for France. The Franks, originally from Germania, settled in Roman Gaul during the empire. They became a powerhouse in the wake of the collapse of Roman direct rule, eventually founding both the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire. There are some minor factions at play here too, such as the Visigoths and the Aquitanians who were regional powers but were eventually swallowed by their neighbors or transformed into different entities entirely. The Visigoths were a tribe originally from Germania that were part of the wider “Goth” ethnic group that led the toppling of the Western Roman Empire, settling in regions such as France, Spain, the Balkans, and Italy. As for the Aquitanians, we aren’t sure their ethnicity (probably Frankish or Goth) but they were led by a man named Odo the Great. Odo has been speculated to be of Roman, Frankish, or Gothic origin but scholars aren’t sure exactly.

Now, on to our people, first we have Abd al-Rahman ibn Abd Allah Al-Ghafiqi who was the leader of the Umayyad expedition into Southern France, and the governor of Cordoba. Abd Al-Rahman participated in several battles against Aquitanian forces, facing Duke Odo the Great at the 721 CE Battle of Toulouse (Umayyad defeat) and the 732 CE Battle of the River Garonne (Umayyad victory). Now, we have Charles Martel – Martel is s sobriquet for Hammer, so we are just going to call him Charles the Hammer because that is more fun. Charles the Hammer rose to lead the Franks, the foremost power in Western Europe following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, in 714. He spent the first 15 years of his rule campaigning, consolidating his realm against rivals, and expanding Frankish territory and power. Last, we have Duke Odo of Aquitaine, whom we discussed briefly in the preceding paragraph. Odo spent the majority of his leadership of southern France facing off against Umayyad incursions from Spain but also resented Charles’ influence, attempting to assert his independence at different times.

But how did we get to where Spain became a Muslim Umayyad powerbase? Spain, after the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire, found itself primarily ruled by Visigoth immigrants from Germania. But at the start of the 8th century, the Visigoths themselves were beset by Umayyad Muslim invaders from North Africa, pushing the Christian Visigoths nearly to extinction. The Christian forces were able to survive in the very north of the Iberian Peninsula but could barely defend themselves effectively by this point, they were significantly assisted by the mountainous geography of northern Spain and were able to hold up in defensive positions to outlast the invasion. With the sequestering of the Spanish Christians, the Umayyads could bypass the Christian forces in the north, and penetrate into the Pyrenes mountains, spilling into what is now southern France. They did just that in 719, taking control of small parts of Aquitania and the town of Narbonne. Raiding parties started roving deeper in Burgundy, causing chaos amongst the Aquitanians, leading Odo to fight continuously to defend his realm. Although an early victory against the Umayyads bought Odo and his forces time, the war started to swing against them with their defeat at the Battle of Garonne.

At the following Battle of Bordeaux, Odo was soundly defeated, suffering heavy casualties, forcing him to flee into the territory of Charles. Odo, desperate for assistance, turned to his rival, Charles the Hammer. This was a curious decision as Charles the Hammer raided Aquitaine, breaking a treaty with Odo, forcing Odo to have to retake the city of Bourges from the northern Franks in 731, in response to Odo asserting his independence from Charles. It has been speculated by scholars that the Umayyads severely underestimated the power of the Franks, considering them to be just another Christian tribe to be dealt with. Charles, answering the call from Odo for assistance, mobilized his forces, dispatching a contingent of his calvary to defend the town of Poitiers from Umayyad raids. The rest of his forces met the Umayyad army somewhere between Tours and Poitiers. An estimated 35,000 to 40,000 men participated in the battle, with the Umayyad forces suffering around 12,000 casualties to the Frank’s 1,000. Sources are not reliable for the exact nature of the battle, but due to what scholars know about early medieval warfare, make up of the Frankish forces, and tactics, it’s been pieced together to fill in gaps caused by the unreliable sources. The belief is that the Umayyad army found themselves broken by massed Frankish heavy infantry, coupled with a surprise calvary attack led by Odo on the Umayyad camp, attacking the camp inhabitants (non-combatants such as soldiers' wives and children, merchants, and support personnel). Abd al-Rahman was killed in the fighting, sowing further chaos. This attack on the soldier’s families combined with heavy casualties against the Frankish heavy infantry, forced an Umayyad tactical withdrawal to defend the remains of the camp, then fully retreating from the region during that night.

This victory did not end raids or incursions into Gaul, but did land a significant blow against Umayyad forces and provided a morale victory for Christian Europe. Odo was forced to swear allegiance to Charles, bringing Aquitaine temporarily under Charles’ purview. It would not be until Charles’ grandson, Charlemagne, that Muslim raids and capture of territory in Gaul would end, 60 years later, establishing northern Spain as the frontline of the Christian wars to retake Spain that would become known as the Reconquista. The legacy of the Battle of Tours is not the immediate ceasing of raids against Gaul, nor the consolidation of Frankish territory, but it is the effect it had on the mindset of Christians. Christian forces in Europe had been suffering a string of defeats for the last century against Muslim forces and the Battle of Tours marked a milestone in the Christian desire to check the advance of Islam and the recapture of lost territory.

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Here’s How Charles ‘the Hammer’ Martel Saved Europe From a Muslim Invasion in 732 AD

It is no exaggeration to describe the Battle of Tours, which took place on October 10, 732, as one of the single most important battles in European history. The exact location of the battlefield is unknown, but the fight occurred somewhere between Tours and Poitiers. It was a decisive battle in the Umayyad Caliphate’s invasion of Gaul as they were defeated by a combined Kingdom of the Franks force led by the legendary Charles ‘the Hammer’ Martel.

Martel’s victory over his enemy’s forces, led by the Emir of Cordoba, Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi, prevented the Muslimization of Western Europe. As well as halting the Islamic conquest, the Frankish win at Tours ensured that Christianity remained the controlling faith in Western Europe. At that time, the Muslim invaders were also busily trying to dismantle the Byzantine Empire in the East. Before we look at the battle, it is important to understand the events leading up to Tours.

Here’s How Charles ‘the Hammer’ Martel Saved Europe From a Muslim Invasion in 732 AD

The Muslim Invasion of Western Europe

The Umayyad conquest of Hispania began in 711 when Caliph Al-Walid I ordered Tariq ibn Ziyad to launch an invasion. Ziyad’s army disembarked from Gibraltar and began campaigning northwards. The Battle of Guadalete was an early victory, and Ziyad was joined by wali Musa ibn Nusair. The combined armies of both men continued to make inroads into enemy territory, and by 717 they had reached Septimania after crossing the Pyrenees.

A commander by the name of Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani took over the Arab-Berber forces and captured Barcelona and Narbonne in 719. This marked the beginning of the Umayyad conquest of Gaul. Although the Muslims suffered defeat at the Battle of Toulouse in 721, they retained control of Septimania, and in 725, Anbasa ibn Suhaym Al-Kalbi laid siege to Carcassonne. He forced the city to give tribute, cede half of its territory and make a defensive and offensive alliance with the Muslims.

Uthman ibn Niassa was the commander of the Berber forces, and he became Governor of Cerdanya sometime after the siege of Carcassonne. By this time, the Berber forces were beginning to show a degree of resentment towards the Arab forces. In 731, Niassa allied with Odo of Aquitaine, the victor at the Battle of Toulouse. Niassa killed the Gothic Bishop of Urgell, and Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi, the new commander of Cordoba, launched an expedition against Niassa and the usurper was murdered in Cerdanya after being surrounded by Al Ghafiqi’s troops.

Al Ghafiqi then attacked Odo who was still trying to recover after facing Charles Martel. Odo’s forces were defeated by the Muslim commander at the Battle of the River Garonne in 732. Al Ghafiqi ordered his men to move north where they plundered Poitou. At this point, Odo attempted a desperate last gamble by appealing to Martel for help; he warned the Frankish commander about the dangers posed by the invading Muslims. Martel eventually agreed but only after Odo submitted to Frankish rule. The scene was set for one of history’s greatest battles as Martel sought to use the element of surprise to his advantage.

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The Invaders Become Complacent

After Martel had agreed to Odo’s request, he set about the task of preparing a professional army. He had assessed the Umayyad’s attack on Aquitaine and realized that inexperienced conscripts wouldn’t be good enough to protect the realm from invasion. Martel angered the religious community by seizing church lands to raise money for his new army, but it was a necessary measure.

There is little doubt that the Muslims underestimated the Franks; this is how they had lost at Toulouse some 11 years earlier. There is nothing written about the military prowess of the Franks in the Arab Chronicles until after the Battle of Tours. The marauding Arabs made a crucial mistake by not scouting northward for possible enemies. Had they done so, they would have known about the military skill of Martel who had established a reputation for excellent command abilities for well over a decade.

Meanwhile, the Umayyad forces had advanced too quickly towards the Loire River which meant they were too far ahead of their supply train. As a consequence, they were forced to live off the land which delayed their assault on the Franks. The Muslims had lost to Odo at Toulouse in 721 because he launched a surprise attack that prevented the Arab cavalry from mobilizing. In later meetings, the Muslims had mobilized their cavalry and easily defeated Odo.

Martel Makes His Move

Therefore, Martel’s best chance of victory was to surprise his enemy, and he did so by using secondary roads to intercept the Arab commander Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi. Not only did he avoid detection, but he was also able to choose the site of the battle and Martel decided on a high wooden plain. The rationale was to force the Umayyad army to charge uphill through difficult terrain. He cleverly ensured that there were trees in front of his army as a means of reducing the impact of Arab cavalry attacks.

The size of both armies is open for debate. Paul K. Davis claims there were 80,000 Arabs against 30,000 Franks while Victor Davis Hanson believes both armies were equal in size with around 30,000 men each. Most estimates suggest that the Arab army was larger, but Martel eliminated any advantage by surprising his enemy. Indeed, Al Ghafiqi was reportedly so shocked by the size of the enemy army that he delayed battle for a week to decide his next move.

While Martel had succeeded in surprising the Arabs, he elected to avoid attacking them. Perhaps he was waiting for reinforcements or else he hoped that the cold climate would creep up on the enemy. Sure enough, the Umayyad army was not prepared for the winter, so they were forced to attack after seven days of waiting. Martel and his army waited in a phalanx-like formation and invited the enemy on. The fate of Western Europe was in his hands and ‘the Hammer’ would not let the realm down.

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Decisive Arab Defeat

Al Ghafiqi attacked his enemy even though he wasn’t sure how large the Frankish force was; the trees obscured his vision. In medieval warfare, cavalry usually defeated infantry but at the Battle of Tours, Martel’s men fended off repeated attacks before the Arabs finally broke through and attempted to kill the Frankish leader. Martel’s personal guard saw the danger and closed ranks to keep their commander protected.

Although Martel’s army was probably outnumbered and contained no heavy cavalry, the men were exceptionally well trained and carried up to 75 pounds of armor into battle. Some of these men had fought with him since 717, and they were able to hold off the vicious assaults of their enemies. At this point, there is a divergence in the chronicles as to what happened next. Arab sources suggest that Frankish scouts started raiding the Muslim supply train and camp which caused the soldiers to retreat and save their plunder. Frankish sources claim that the Franks merely spread a rumor that they were attacking the supply train and this was enough to cause confusion on the battlefield.

Whatever the reason, a significant amount of Muslim cavalry left the field. The infantry misread the situation as a sign of a full retreat and began to flee. Al Ghafiqi tried to stop the retreat but only succeeded in getting himself surrounded by the enemy who executed him on the spot. Martel ordered the resumption of the phalanx formation in the belief that the Arabs would return the following day.

When they failed to appear, the Franks suspected an ambush, so Martel refused to leave his position. Eventually, Frankish soldiers launched a full-scale investigation of the Umayyad camp and discovered that the Arabs had fled during the night, carrying with them as much booty as possible. Europe had been saved, for now.

Aftermath & Analysis

The Umayyads attempted another invasion of Gaul and launched their raid through Iberia in 735. This second invasion lasted for four years and was arguably more dangerous than the first. However, internal turmoil forced the Umayyads to abandon their quest and return home. The Arabs remained in control of Septimania and Narbonne for over a quarter of a century after Tours but were unable to expand any further.

When the Caliphate embarked on a civil war at the Battle of the Zab in 750, it was only a matter of time before the Arab threat in Western Europe was eliminated. Charles focused on isolating the invaders at Narbonne and Septimania and in 759, his son, Pepin the Short, forced the surrender of Narbonne and the Umayyad dynasty was expelled from the region.

The Arab leader, Al Ghafiqi, made a crucial strategic error by not moving against Martel and by underestimating his army. By doing so, he allowed Martel to choose the battlefield and time of the fight. As the Muslim leader didn’t think the Franks would come to the aid of Aquitaine, he didn’t do a proper assessment of their strength. He also didn’t scout Frankish army movements.

It was also a mistake to waste resources fighting weaker enemies such as Odo when Martel was the real threat. They had needless casualties before Tours and were also burdened by the enormous amount of booty they carried. Martel commanded the situation masterfully and according to Edward Gibbons, had the Frankish leader lost at Tours, the Umayyad Caliphate could easily have conquered a divided Europe.

While modern historians sometimes state that the importance of Tours is overrated, there is no doubt about its impact on Western Europe. According to Henry Hallam, a Frankish defeat at Tours would have meant no Charlemagne, no Holy Roman Empire, and no Papal State establishment; how different would Europe have been then.

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The Battle of Tours: a turning point in European History

Charles Martel led his forces to victory over Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi in a struggle in France in 732. The History Guy remembers the battle of Tours, also called Battle of Poitiers, and the start of the Reconquista. It was a turning point in European history.

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The Battle of Tours: A Turning Point in Early Medieval History

Post author By Library Author
Post date February 15, 2023

Table of Contents

History is just that: a story . It follows people, the characters, through their environment, the setting, and the things that happen to them, the plot.

Like any story, it moves along thanks to specific events. And while they might not seem so significant at the moment, when we look back, we can use them to connect the dots to how we got where we are today.

One such event was the Battle of Tours. Fought between the invading, Muslim-run Umayyad Caliphate and the Christian Kingdom of the Franks, this battlefield duel drew a “line in the sand” in European history that is still alive and well in the 21st century.

The Advancing Muslim Kingdoms

To understand the Battle of Tours, the first place to look is the Middle East in the three centuries before the fighting began. Something was happening in these lands east of the Mediterranean and in the foothills of Asia.

In a word: Islam.

Founded in the 7th century by the Arabian prophet Muhammad, the monotheistic religion that descended from Judaism and Christianity had taken the Middle East by storm. Not only had huge swaths of territory converted to this new faith, its leaders, starting with Muhammad himself, had created a new empire.

As they spread their version of the word of God, they conquered new lands, spreading throughout Mesopotamia, western Asian lands such as Pakistan and India, as well as North Africa.

By the end of the 8th century, they had one of the largest empires in history. But they weren’t interested in stopping in North Africa, so they didn’t. In 711 AD, they crossed the Mediterranean and crashed onto the shores of Spain. Their armies quickly advanced through Spain, defeating the Visigoths and establishing a new province of their empire: Al-Andalus.

After so much success, why would they stop there?

Well, they didn’t. They crossed over the Pyrenees Mountains and into what is now France and kept on fighting.

Things were looking good for the Muslim caliphate. Until they weren’t.

The Christians Respond

The Battle of Tours is ultimately a story about the battle between Christianity and Islam. As Islam grew, it did so mainly in non-Christian lands.

The tribes of Arabia that united under Muhammad had been polytheistic, meaning they believed in many gods. As Islam spread, though, it came into contact with more and more Christian territories.

This worried the people of Europe. Not only did they devoutly believe their religion was the one true religion, but a threat to the Christian faith was a threat to the rulers of Europe who used faith as a source of their power.

So, when the Muslim-led armies crashed into Spain, a largely Christian territory, conquered it in the blink of an eye (historically speaking…it was more like a period of 50 years), there had to be a response.

The one to answer the call was a man named Charles Martel. He was the ruler of the Franks, a Germanic people who populated much of western Europe.

A Christian, Martel commanded a considerable army and rose to power as Islam was spreading into Europe. His decisions and the results of these decisions left a lasting mark on European history.

The Battle of Tours

The Battle of Tours itself took place in 732 AD, just twenty years after the Umayyad Caliphate had crossed into Spain. In just that short time, Muslim armies had made their way into what is now central France.

The lack of political unity at the time made it easy for the strong, unified army of the Caliphate to march across Europe. Kingdoms next to one another would often not come to the support of each other due to feuds both past and present.

This was exactly what the Umayyad army was hoping for when they attacked Tours, a wealthy city on the Loire River in central France. Technically part of Aquitaine, which Charles Martel had invaded for his own purposes, no one thought Martel would fight for the defense of Tours.

But Martel was a true man of mystery and did exactly what no one expected him to do.

The battle, which lasted more than a week, came as a surprise to the Umayyads army. Not only did they not really know that Martel and his army of Franks were waiting there, they had no idea how many people were in the army and how strong they really were.

So, the Umayyad commander, Abdul Rahman Al-Ghafiqi , sent his cavalry, or horse-mounted units, into the city for what he thought would be a quick victory.

Talk about wishful thinking.

The mainly-Frankish army was as big if not bigger than the invading force, and they fought them back handedly.

Martel’s force remained in the forest in the highlands, forcing Al-Gfaiqi’s army to try and charge uphill, something that never works, not even for Anakin Skywalker.

Numbers of casualties are impossible to know for sure, but by the end of the seventh day, the Umayyad army had lost.

Once beaten back, they turned and ran. Al-Gafiqi was killed in battle and the Muslim invasion of Europe was in big, big trouble.

Frankish Conquest of Gaul and the Early Stages of the Holy Roman Empire

After failing to beat back Martel, the Umayyad force ran south in retreat. Martel followed them, chasing them further and further from his people. Eventually, the Umayyad army crossed the Pyrenees.

“Finally!” he shouted. “Now down through Hispania and back to North Africa!”

Wrong.

Instead of making the same mistake his enemies had made by chasing them through foreign territory, Martel decided to call it a day once he felt safe.

He drew a line in the map, right through the Pyrnees and said “I’m done.”

This move had two major impacts.

First, it allowed him to maintain the gains he just made against the advancing Umayyad army.

Second, it allowed him to consolidate power in France. He just chased away the “evil” Muslims advancing with their army, outdoing his rival kings in the area, proving his strength to the people.

By stopping his pursuit, he made himself the most powerful man in western Europe.

The Rise of the Catholic Church

This victory, and the moves Martel made after it, put an end to the advance of Islam into Europe. The Umayyads would try again a few years later, but Martel’s position was too strong to defeat.

Internal strife in the Umayyad Caliphate also caused interest in a European invasion to stop. Eventually, Al-Andalus split off from its leaders in Damascus and became its own independent Caliphate.

The fact that this line that Martel “drew” also separated two very popular religions is why the Battle of Tours is so significant. From this moment on, the lands east of the Pyrenees were to be Christian. South of the Pyrenees were primarily Muslim.

Recognizing this divide, Martel did one more thing to cement his power. He went to the Pope, the leader of the Christian faith and one of the only authorities everyone would listen to and asked for his blessing to rule the land he had just conquered, or, as he might have put it, liberated from Muslim rule.

The Pope went along with this and the Frankish empire was born.

A New Era in Medieval History

The acknowledgement by the Church in Rome gave Europe its largest central authority since the fall of the Roman Empire. Many at the time still longed for the “glory days” or Rome, and were waiting for someone to take its place. For someone to fill that power vacuum.

The Frankish kingdom turned empire established by Martel helped fill this vacuum, at least for the time. Martel’s successors combined forces with the church to revive the title “Roman emperor” in an effort to unite Europe and Christianity.

In addition to proving the foundation for the Frankish empire, the Battle of Tours set the stage for the epic religious battle that was about to take place throughout the 11th and 12th centuries.

Stricken with fear over the threat of a Muslim invasion into Christian lands, the Pope and the kings of Europe would go on to organize the Crusades.

These wars sought to “take back” lands seen as rightfully Christian, which included the Holy Land of Jerusalem and the recently conquered Spain.

The Battle of Tours helped define the boundaries between the Christian and Muslim worlds and set the stage for conflicts that defined much of Medieval history.

Written by Matthew Jones

Illustrated by Jean Galvao

Battle of Tours that Shaped Europe’s Destiny

The Battle of Tours , fought in 732 AD near Poitiers, France, was a pivotal moment in European history. It secured the victory of the Frankish leader, Charles Martel , against the invading Muslim forces of the Umayyad Caliphate and halted their advance into Western Europe . The battle had far-reaching consequences on the continent’s political, religious, and cultural landscape, making it one of the most significant events of the medieval period.

In this article, we’ll explore the background and context of the Battle of Tours , the key players involved, and the battle’s military strategies and tactics . We’ll also examine its long-term impact on European history and its legacy in modern times.

Key Takeaways:

The Battle of Tours was a decisive turning point in European history.
Charles Martel’s victory stopped the advance of Muslim forces into Western Europe .
One important result of the Battle of Tours was that it preserved Western Europe and halted Islamic expansion.

Background of the Battle of Tours

The Battle of Tours was fought between the Frankish army, led by Charles Martel , and the Muslim Moors, led by Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi. The battle took place on October 10, 732 AD, near the city of Tours in central France. The conflict marked a significant turning point in European history, halting the Islamic expansion into Western Europe and shaping the course of the continent for centuries to come.

The conflict between the Franks and the Moors began around 711 AD, when the Umayyad Caliphate, based in Damascus, conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula, including modern-day Spain and Portugal. By the early 8th century, the Muslims had established a strong presence in the region and were expanding their territory northward into Gaul (now France).

Charles Martel , the Frankish leader and mayor of the palace, was determined to defend his kingdom against the advancing Muslim armies. He had already defeated the Muslim forces at the Battle of Poitiers in 732 AD, and was now preparing for a second encounter at Tours.

Clash of Civilizations: Christianity vs. Islam

The Battle of Tours was not just a military confrontation; it was a clash of two distinct civilizations – Christianity and Islam . The Islamic conquests had already taken over most of the Middle East, including the Holy Land, and were expanding into North Africa and Europe. The Islamic forces viewed their conquests as a religious duty, spreading the word of Allah through military conquest. On the other hand, the Franks, led by Charles Martel, sought to defend their Christian faith and preserve their culture and way of life.

The Islamic army was led by Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi, the governor of Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain), and consisted primarily of Berber and Arab warriors. They were well-equipped and highly disciplined, with a formidable cavalry and infantry. The Frankish army, led by Charles Martel, was made up of a diverse group of warriors, including Franks, Gauls, and Burgundians, who fought on foot and horseback.

The Battle of Tours was not only a military conflict, but it was also a clash of civilizations . Religion played a vital role in shaping the conflict, as both sides were fighting to either spread or defend their religious beliefs.

The Importance of Charles Martel

At the Battle of Tours, Charles Martel, the Frankish leader, played a crucial role in securing a decisive victory against the invading Islamic forces. His leadership and strategic decisions helped shape the outcome of the battle and ultimately preserved Western Europe from further Islamic expansion.

Charles Martel’s military expertise and quick thinking proved to be essential in the battle. He ordered his forces to form a defensive wall, consisting of heavily armed infantrymen, which successfully repelled the repeated attacks of the Muslim cavalry. This defensive tactic prevented the Islamic forces from flanking the Frankish army and gave Charles Martel’s troops time to regroup and reorganize.

In addition to his tactical prowess, Charles Martel was also instrumental in building the Frankish army into a formidable fighting force. He introduced new weapons and armor, improved training methods, and established a system of centralized command and control. All of these measures helped create a highly disciplined and effective army, capable of taking on any opponent.

Charles Martel’s importance to the Battle of Tours cannot be overstated. Without his leadership and strategic decisions, the outcome of the battle may have been very different. His legacy as a great military leader and defender of Western Europe continues to be remembered and celebrated to this day.

Battle Strategies and Tactics

The Battle of Tours was a clash between two vastly different armies, with different strategies and tactics . The Muslim army was composed of light cavalry and relied heavily on the use of archers, while the Frankish army consisted primarily of heavy infantry.

The Muslim army’s primary tactic was the hit-and-run attack, where they would charge their enemy, unleash a flurry of arrows, and then retreat before the Franks could respond. They sought to wear down their enemy through attrition rather than engage them in a direct confrontation.

On the other hand, Charles Martel’s strategy was to remain defensive and let the Muslim army come to him. He ordered his troops to form a wall of shields, creating a barrier that the Muslim cavalry could not penetrate. This tactic proved successful, as the Muslim army began to tire and lose steam after several unsuccessful charges.

Once the Muslim army was weakened, Charles Martel ordered his troops to launch a counter-attack, using their superior strength and weapons to crush the enemy. The Frankish army’s use of heavy cavalry was also instrumental in the victory, as it allowed them to break through the Muslim ranks and disrupt their formations.

Overall, it was Charles Martel’s defensive strategy and tactical decisions that ultimately led to his victory. He recognized the strengths and weaknesses of his enemy and adapted his army’s tactics accordingly, ultimately preserving Western Europe from Muslim conquest.

Result: Preservation of Western Europe

The Battle of Tours was a significant event in European history that halted the advance of Islamic forces and preserved the future of Western Europe. Charles Martel’s victory was a turning point that shaped the destiny of Europe, paving the way for the rise of feudalism and the formation of modern nation-states.

By defeating the Islamic forces at the Battle of Tours, Charles Martel established himself as a powerful leader and prevented further expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate into Western Europe. This victory ensured the preservation of Christianity and Western culture, which played a critical role in shaping the future of Europe.

Without Charles Martel’s strategic decisions and the bravery of his army, the history of Europe would have been vastly different. The Battle of Tours was a critical moment in European history, ensuring the preservation of Western values and ultimately, the formation of modern Europe as we know it today.

Long-Term Implications

The Battle of Tours, fought in 732 CE, was a significant turning point in European history with profound long-term implications . The victory of Charles Martel’s forces halted the advance of Islamic expansion into Western Europe and ensured the preservation of European culture and identity.

The battle also played a crucial role in the rise of feudalism, a system of governance that dominated Europe for centuries. The conflict created a need for local leaders to protect their communities, leading to the emergence of localized power structures that eventually evolved into the feudal system.

Furthermore, the Battle of Tours contributed to the formation of modern nation-states. The victory served as a symbol of European unity and a shared identity, leading to the development of nations that reflected this collective identity. It helped shape the political and social structure of Europe, influencing its future development.

The legacy of the Battle of Tours continues to be felt today. It has become a defining moment in the history of Europe and has played a key role in shaping its identity. The importance of this battle and its impact on European history cannot be overstated.

Legacy and Historical Significance

More than a millennium after the Battle of Tours, its legacy remains ingrained in European history. The significance of this battle cannot be overstated, as it marked the first significant blow against the Muslim conquest of Europe and prevented the continent from being engulfed by Islamic forces.

The Battle of Tours also proved to be a pivotal moment in the rise of Western Europe. Charles Martel’s victory contributed to the formation of modern nation-states and the development of feudalism, which dominated the European political landscape for centuries to come.

The triumph of Charles Martel’s forces also had a profound impact on European identity. The Battle of Tours allowed Europeans to define themselves against an “other,” and the victory became a symbolic moment of Christian triumph over Islamic forces. This idea of a clash of civilizations would continue to shape European identity for centuries to come.

Today, the Battle of Tours is remembered as a crucial turning point in European history. Its significance is celebrated in French cultural memory as the moment when the country was saved from Islamic conquest. The battle remains a potent symbol of Western resistance against outside forces and the triumph of Christian civilization against its enemies.

In conclusion , the Battle of Tours marked a turning point in European history as it halted the advance of Islamic forces and preserved Western Europe. Charles Martel’s strategic leadership and military prowess played a significant role in the outcome of this battle. The clash between Christianity and Islam that took place during this event had long-lasting implications, including the rise of feudalism and the formation of modern nation-states.

Without the decisive victory of Charles Martel’s forces at the Battle of Tours, the course of European history could have been dramatically different. This battle ensured that the values and traditions of Western Europe were upheld and allowed for the development of the unique European identity that exists today.

In conclusion , the Battle of Tours was a crucial turning point that shaped Europe’s destiny . Its significance cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the power of strategic leadership and military prowess in shaping history. The result of this battle is felt even today, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and traditions.

Q: What was the significance of the Battle of Tours?

A: The Battle of Tours was a turning point in European history as it halted the advance of Islamic forces into Western Europe and preserved Christianity as the dominant religion.

Q: What led to the Battle of Tours?

A: The Battle of Tours was the result of the expansionist ambitions of the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate and the desire of Charles Martel, the Frankish leader, to protect his kingdom.

Q: Who were the key players in the Battle of Tours?

A: The Battle of Tours was fought between the armies of Charles Martel and the Umayyad Caliphate, led by Abd al-Rahman. Charles Martel’s tactical brilliance played a crucial role in the outcome of the battle.

Q: What were the military strategies and tactics used in the Battle of Tours?

A: Both sides employed various strategies and tactics during the Battle of Tours, including the use of cavalry charges, shield walls, and defensive formations. Charles Martel’s decision to hold his ground and utilize his infantry effectively contributed to his victory.

Q: How did the Battle of Tours impact Europe?

A: The Battle of Tours preserved Western Europe and halted the Islamic advance, preventing the region from falling under Islamic rule. This victory had significant implications for the rise of feudalism and the formation of modern nation-states.

Q: What is the long-term significance of the Battle of Tours?

A: The Battle of Tours influenced European history in the long term by shaping the course of feudalism and contributing to the development of modern nation-states. It also played a role in defining European identity and the ongoing conflict between Christian and Islamic civilizations.

Q: How is the Battle of Tours remembered in history?

A: The Battle of Tours is remembered as a decisive victory for Charles Martel and a pivotal moment in European history. It serves as a symbol of the clash between Christianity and Islam and the defense of Western civilization.

Q: What is the conclusion about the Battle of Tours?

A: The Battle of Tours was a critical event that shaped the destiny of Europe. Charles Martel’s victory preserved Western Europe from Islamic conquest, influencing the rise of feudalism and the development of modern nation-states. It remains an important turning point in European history.

Corrections

What Were the Major Battles and Conflicts of the Medieval Period?

From the Battle of Tours to the Spanish Reconquista, these are the major battles that took place during the Medieval period.

major battles conflicts of medieval period

In 476, the year Rome fell, heralded the Medieval Period, lasting until around 1492 when Christopher Columbus reached the Americas . Like any timespan, this Period was not immune to wars and protracted conflicts. Some took decades for resolution, while a single engagement could decide fate. It’s always interesting to see the impact of battles and conflicts on Europe.

The Battle of Tours – Muslim Expansion Stopped

Seven hundred and thirty-two marked the Battle of Tours as one of the most significant pivotal battles. The Muslim Moors invaded from Spain, seeking to expand into Frankish lands. France’s most powerful leader, Charles Martel, stealthily marched south to Tours. There, his army fought the Moorish cavalry force from a hillside, defeating and killing their leader. This battle checked the Moors’ rapid growth into Europe, preserving Christianity in the West. Charles later became the King of France, helping to establish feudalism.

The Reconquista – Spain Unites

When the Pope’s call for a Crusade went out in 1095, Spain’s version had been ongoing for nearly two centuries. An invading Moorish army had seized the Iberian Peninsula, pushed out the Visigoth nobility, and established the Ummayad Caliphate in 711. Only Charles Martel’s victory over a Muslim army in the Battle of Tours in 732 pushed the Moors back.

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The Reconquista, or “reconquering” of Spain, commenced in 718. It differed from the later Crusades by being a territorial expansion, not a religious war. The Moors granted Jews and Christians freedoms, preventing much hatred. Meanwhile the wars in Iberia lasted for hundreds of years as the Christians went south, capturing swathes of land.

The Reconquista only took on a religious tone as the Crusades to the Holy Land began. Their final campaign was the capture of Granada, the Moor’s last stronghold in Spain, in 1492. This final victory led to the expulsion of Jews and Muslims .

The Crusades – The Popes’ Call

The Crusades started in 1095, with Pope Urban II asking for volunteers to retake the Holy Lands from Islam. This Holy City and surrounding lands had fallen several years before. The First Crusade retook Jerusalem in 1099, establishing kingdoms, touching off a religious war until 1291. The Crusades seized back the Holy Lands and became de facto rulers. By doing so, the Crusaders encountered a very different culture. New food, trading routes, and ideas like a better numbering system soon spread back home. Eight Crusades reached the Middle East, primarily to defend their kingdoms. By 1291, the Muslim armies from Egypt and Syria under the famous Saladin gained had retaken most of the Holy Land.

The Mongol Invasions – Unstoppable

The Mongols , the dreaded horse lords, swarmed out from the Asian plains beginning around 1206 under the infamous Genghis Khan. Their armies reached Eastern Europe by the 1220s, devastating the Rus Principality in 1223. The Mongols, after pausing in the 1230s, pushed further into central Europe. After defeating several Polish, Hungarian, and Russian armies, they sacked Kiev and invaded Hungary. Mongols used terror tactics such as mass slaughter and enslavement. One-half of Hungary’s population was killed during this conflict.

Their armies reached Dalmatia by 1240. One leader, Subutai Khan, lay poised in eastern Austria when the Great Khan died back in Mongolia. This forced leaders to return home and select a new Khan. Their armies raided deep into Europe, even to Lithuania. The Mongols settled in southern Russia, establishing khanates. Europeans didn’t defeat the Mongols until the late 1300s.

The Battle of Agincourt – The Longbow

Few history buffs have not heard of Agincourt, one of the most famous medieval battles. This battle was one of many during the Hundred Years’ War. On October 25, 1415, near Agincourt in northern France, an outnumbered English army led by King Henry V clashed with a larger French one.

Henry V campaigned in France through the fall to press his claim to the French throne. His army weakened from continual fighting and disease, sought to return to England—the pursuing French army, led by knights, caught up and fought in a muddy field.

The English killed many charging French knights with powerful longbows as they forced their way through thick mud. In the melee, the English infantry overran the knights, killing thousands. But the longbow, with its range and killing power, was the prime reason for victory. The defeat helped secure England’s hold on their French territories, leaving the French in disarray. It took until 1453 for the French to reduce England’s possessions to Calais.

What Did Christopher Columbus Discover?

By Matt Whittaker BA History & Asian Studies Matt Whittaker is an avid history reader, fascinated by the why, how and when. With a B.A. in History and Asian Studies from University of Massachusetts, he does deep dives into medieval, Asian and military history. Matt’s other passion besides family is the long-distance Zen-like runs.

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Epic Clashes: The Most Impactful Battles in Medieval France and Their Historical Significance

Medieval france witnessed a series of momentous battles that shaped its destiny, determined the fate of monarchies, and left a profound impact on its historical narrative., in this article, we explore some of the most important battles fought on french soil during the middle ages, highlighting their significance, key players, and the far-reaching consequences that reverberated throughout the kingdom., 1. the battle of tours (732).

The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers, was a crucial conflict between the Frankish forces under Charles Martel and the Umayyad Caliphate. Charles Martel’s victory halted the Muslim advance into Europe, ensuring the survival of Christian Frankish realms and shaping the future of Western Europe.

2. The Battle of Agincourt (1415)

Fought during the Hundred Years’ War, the Battle of Agincourt showcased the military prowess of Henry V and his English army against the French forces. The resounding English victory had a profound impact on France, marking a turning point in the war and igniting a period of introspection and reform within the French military.

3. The Battle of Poitiers (1356)

The Battle of Poitiers was a significant clash during the Hundred Years’ War. Edward, the Black Prince, led the English forces against King John II of France. The English achieved a decisive victory, capturing King John II and exerting a considerable influence over the course of the war.

4. The Battle of Crecy (1346)

The Battle of Crecy was a major encounter in the early stages of the Hundred Years’ War. The English, led by Edward III, confronted the French forces. The English longbowmen and innovative tactics proved instrumental in their victory, reshaping the future of warfare and highlighting the importance of ranged weaponry.

5. The Battle of Orleans (1429)

The Battle of Orleans was a critical turning point in the Hundred Years’ War and a symbol of French resistance. Led by Joan of Arc, the French forces achieved a significant victory over the English, lifting the siege of Orleans and boosting French morale. This triumph marked a pivotal moment in French history and set the stage for subsequent victories.

6. The Battle of Bouvines (1214)

The Battle of Bouvines was a consequential engagement during the reign of King Philip II Augustus. It pitted Philip’s forces, along with his allies, against a coalition including the Holy Roman Empire and England. Philip’s victory solidified his authority, expanded French territories, and elevated the stature of the French monarchy.

7. The Battle of Patay (1429)

The Battle of Patay was a significant French victory during the Hundred Years’ War, following the Battle of Orleans. Led by Joan of Arc, the French forces decisively defeated the English, further weakening their position and bolstering French confidence. This battle contributed to the ultimate expulsion of the English from French soil.

The battles fought on French soil during the medieval period were transformative, shaping the destiny of France, influencing European politics, and leaving an enduring legacy.

From the decisive victories of Joan of Arc to the confrontations of the Hundred Years’ War, these clashes embody the struggle for power, sovereignty, and national identity.

By examining these pivotal battles, we gain valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs, and complexities that defined medieval France.

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History buffs step back in time at Green-Wood Cemetery’s annual Battle of Brooklyn

Visitors immersed themselves in hands-on activities highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought for American independence. Devout historians led experiential learning sessions, showing guests Dutch Colonial toys, games and objects often used and associated with the 18th century.

The Battle of Brooklyn is recognized as the first major confrontation after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Much of the confrontation took place on the land now part of The Green-Wood Cemetery campus.

The event was full of hands-on learning experiences. One attendee checks out a gun site with dated trinkets.

Event organizers consider the celebration a family day that teaches Brooklynites about the history and culture that surrounds them.

“This annual event offers a unique chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the narratives and experiences of those who lived through the American Revolution,” Rachel Walman, Green-Wood’s director of education, said in a statement. “By examining the varied viewpoints of colonists, the British, the Dutch, Indigenous people, and enslaved people from that period, we aim to provide a richer comprehension of our collective history and its lasting influence.”

Michael Grillo dressed up as George Washington as Michael Grillo Jr. played his helper.

Costumed interpreters brought stories of notable figures to life, including Patriot soldier Deborah Sampson, who fought for American liberty, and members of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, one of the first military units to include a significant number of Black soldiers.

This event was open to the public and though donations were recommended, it was free to attend.

Other lighthearted pastimes included a scavenger hunt, flag decorating, quill-writing and tricorn hat making.

An augmented reality app called 1776AR enhanced the experience allowing users to visualize significant figures— General George Washington, his enslaved valet William Lee and Colonel Samuel Atlee — and events of the Battle of Brooklyn, including over 400 British ships poised in New York Harbor.

Green-Wood Cemetery hosts art, history and nature programs throughout the year, bringing Brooklyn onto its historic landscape. Other events include trolley tours of the grounds, rooftop movie screenings, summer picnics and holiday celebrations.

About the Author

Jada Camille

Jada Camille is a Nashville native with a deep passion for story-telling. When she isn’t writing you can find her wandering the streets of the city, being a self-professed coffee snob or watching her favorite comfort shows.

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The Battle of Tours

Source citations, leading up to and the battle of tours, attacks begin.

Uthman the Traitor

A Failed Rebellion

The enemies meet

The Battle Ends

American History
European History
World History

Battles That Made History: Tours

PHOTO: ThingLink.com

Last time, on Battles That Made History, we talked about the famous Battle of Gettysburg . Gettysburg was the most important battle of the American Civil War and the bloodiest battle in terms of American casualties in American history, the battle turned the tide in the Civil War in the North’s favor and spelled ultimate defeat for the Confederate States.

This time, we’re talking about the Battle of Tours, in the year AD 732, when Frankish leader Charles Martel defeated an army of Muslim invaders, effectively stopping the invasion of the Umayyad Caliphate into Western Europe. Had Charles Martel lost the Battle of Tours, the Europe we know today would look very different. Here’s how it went down:

Historical Background

PHOTO: wikimedia

The AD 700s was a period wracked by the Umayyad conquests in Europe. They began in 711, when Saracens invaded the Visigothic Christian Kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula. From there, Muslim rule slowly spread west over the course of twenty more years, overrunning what was left of the Roman and Persian European Empires. At the time of the Battle of Tours, the Umayyad Caliphate was the most powerful military force in the world, and had swallowed up Hispania, Northern Africa, and what was left of the Byzantine Empire completely.

The Frankish kingdom, on the other side of the battle, was, during the 700s with the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the most powerful military force in Western Europe. If anybody could stand up to the invaders, they could.

Europe was a divided swath of land that would easily fall to the Umayyad Caliphate if the separate kingdoms couldn’t pull together. The Franks were powerful, true, but they were pulled four different ways between Britain’s Saxons, the Frisians, the Moors, and the Basque-Aquitanians led by Odo the Great, Duke of Aquitaine (also called Eudes).

In 719, the Umayyad forces under the Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani, governor-general of al-Andalus, began to push into Frankish territory. Odo the Great was sandwiched between attacking Franks on his northern borders and attacking Moors on his southern borders.

In an attempt to save his country, he allied himself with the Moors through marriage in 730, but when the politics on the Moorish side grew complicated, the Moors once again turned on Otho.

“God alone knows the number of the slain. [The Moorish forces] pierced through the mountains, trampled over rough and level ground, plundered far into the country of the Franks, and smote all with the sword, insomuch that when [Otho the Great] came to battle with them at the River Garonne, he fled.” — Chronicle of 754.

As the Moors pushed into his kingdom, Otho the Great suffered enormous losses. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, he sent word to Charles Martel, leader of the Frankish kingdom, and asked for military assistance.

After demanding that Otho the Great surrender to Frankish rule, Charles Martel agreed to join forces with him to push the Umayyad forces out of Frankish territory for good.

PHOTO: britannica.com

In 732, the Umayyad forces began to push north. Previously, they had met very little resistance from any European kingdom and were expecting more of the same. Charles Martel stationed his troops at the city of Tours, and there he planned to turn the Umayyad forces away from Europe forever.

Hoping to have the element of surprise, he used the surrounding trees and forest to screen his true numbers. When the invading forces met Martel at Tours, they were completely caught off-guard to find a well-armed, seasoned force of fighting men blocking their path to the city.

With that surprise firmly in hand, instead of immediately attacking, Charles Martel shored up his forces at Tours and went on full defensive, taking the high ground in cold weather. The lightly-dressed, small force of Umayyad troops would be forced to attack them uphill. Their commander, Abd-ar-Rahman, Muslim governor of Cordoba, was a proven commander, but he hadn’t expected a resistance like this, and he’d been completely outmaneuvered.

The next seven days became a waiting game between the two commanders. Abd-ar-Rahman kept waiting for Charles Martel to become over confident and show his true numbers. Charles Martel was waiting for Abd-ar-Rahman to charge uphill and begin the fighting. A few skirmishes happened, but nothing significant.

Finally, on the seventh day, when the Umayyad forces received reinforcements, the battle began in earnest. Abd-ar-Rahman, trusting in his heavy cavalry, charged them several times against the Frankish footsoldiers.

Phalanx formation. This was commonly used by Greek and Roman footsoldiers, and rarely used during the Middle Ages. Charles Martel used the phalanx to hold his forces against the Umayyad heavy cavalry. [PHOTO: kingofwallpapers ]

“In the shock of battle the men of the North seemed like a sea that cannot be moved. Firmly they stood, one close to another, forming as it were a bulwark of ice;” — Mozarbic Chronicle of 754.

Charles was fighting the Battle of Tours not only on the field, but also in his opponent’s own camp, which was the chief reason he won. Even as Umayyad troops who had broken into the phalanx tried to take Charles down, his own men protected him, and Charles kept the morale high and the formation tight. Hard-pressed as he was, he sent scouts to wreak havoc in the Umayyad base camp.

The Frankish scouts broke into the Umayyad camp, stole supplies, weapons, and armors, and set as many slaves and horses free as they possibly could. Part of Abd-ar-Rahman’s army was forced to withdraw to defend the base camp. It was then that Charles Martel made his move on the Umayyad forces. He pushed forward. Abd-ar-Rahman was surrounded and killed in the battle.

With the death of their general, the Umayyad forces were routed and fled out of France. Charles Martel claimed the victory of Tours, and the Muslims would never again return as a formidable invading force to Western Europe.

Charles Martel’s famous descendant: Charlemagne. Charlemagne was the founder of the Holy Roman Empire. [PHOTO: ancient-origins.net ]

Charles Martel’s victory at Tours shaped the course of European History for hundreds of years to come. Western Europe remained a largely Christian region. After his victory, Charles Martel’s family, the Carolingians, became a ruling dynasty to be reckoned with. Under his control, Charles expanded Frankish territory. It was a legacy that would be continued by his son, Pepin. His grandson, Charlemagne, created a massive empire that encompassed much of Western Europe – an empire that would later be known as the “Holy Roman Empire”. It would stand for ten centuries as a powerful political, religious, and military force. The Battle of Tours changed the face of Europe forever, it was truly a battle that made history.

IMAGES

732 Battle of Tours: Charles Martel the 'Hammer' preserves Western
The Battle of Poitiers by Charles Auguste Steuben
The Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours, 732 AD, (1875).Artist: DJ Pound Stock Photo
The battle of Tours
In 732, Battle of Tours also called Battle of Poitiers and in Arabic

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COMMENTS

Battle of Tours
Charles Martel. Battle of Tours, (October 732), victory won by Charles Martel, the de facto ruler of the Frankish kingdoms, over Muslim invaders from Spain. The battlefield cannot be exactly located, but it was fought somewhere between Tours and Poitiers, in what is now west-central France.
Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours, [6] also called the Battle of Poitiers and the Battle of the Highway of the Martyrs (Arabic: معركة بلاط الشهداء, romanized: Maʿrakat Balāṭ ash-Shuhadā'), [7] was fought on 10 October 732, and was an important battle during the Umayyad invasion of Gaul.It resulted in victory for the Frankish and Aquitanian forces, [8] [9] led by Charles Martel, over the ...
Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours (October 10, ... and to have preserved Christianity in Europe during a period when Muslim rule was overrunning the remains of the old Roman and Persian Empires. ... ended. The Umayyad Caliphate, at the time of the Battle of Tours, was perhaps the world's foremost military power. Great expansion of the Caliphate occurred ...
Battle of Tours: Its Significance and Historical Implications
On 10 October 732 Frankish General Charles Martel crushed an invading Muslim army at Tours in France, decisively halting the Islamic advance into Europe.. The Islamic advance. After the death of the Prophet Muhammed in 632 AD the speed of the spread of Islam was extraordinary, and by 711 Islamic armies were poised to invade Spain from North Africa. . Defeating the Visigothic kingdom of Spain ...
The Legacy of Charles Martel & the Battle of Tours
The Battle of Poitiers aka the Battle of Tours took place over roughly a week in early October of 732. The opposing sides consisted of a Frankish army led by Charles Martel (r. 718-741) against an invading Muslim army under the nominal sovereignty of the Umayyad Caliphate (c. 661-750) based in Damascus, Syria.. These two forces came together as Umayyad power sought expansion and plunder in ...
Battle of Tours
At the Battle of Tours near Poitiers, France, Frankish leader Charles Martel, a Christian, defeats a large army of Spanish Moors, halting the Muslim advance into Western Europe. Abd‑ar‑Rahman ...
The Battle of Tours
In 725 Anbessa, the Saracen governor of Spain, personally leads an army across the Pyrenees Mountains into France and takes the strongly fortified town of Carcassone. During the battle he receives a fatal wound, and the Saracen army retires into the nearby town of Narbonne before retreating back to the safety of Spain. Western Europe - 732 AD.
Battle Report: Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours is unquestionably a noteworthy battle, but what exactly were its impacts om history. First, and most importantly, the Battle of Tours halted the spread of Islam into Western Europe. The Battle ended the First Umayyad invasion of modern-day France. The second invasion occurred from 735-739CE and arguably posed a greater threat.
Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours was fought in 732 between a sizable Moorish invading force and a Frankish army under Charles Martel. Martel was able to check the Moorish advance by routing the Muslim army at the Battle of Tours in 732. The battle is considered highly significant in that it was crucial in stemming the tide of Muslim advance into north ...
The Battle of Tours
And one of those rare, world-changing battles is the Battle of Tours - fought in 732 AD between the Christian Frankish forces and the invading Muslim Umayyad Caliphate. This fierce and destructive conflict, that shaped the future of Europe and echoed through time, was a great gamble, fought against all odds.
The making of a world historical moment: The Battle of Tours (732/3) in
The Battle of Tours (or Poitiers) in 732/3 is frequently cited as a turning point in world history, when the advance of Muslim Arabs was decisively halted by the Christian army of Frankish mayor Charles Martel. Yet the battle and its reputation seem relatively modest in the earliest sources, with little sense that conquest or religious tensions were key issues. This paper explores how the ...
Battle of Tours (732 A.D.)
The Battle of Tours (often called the Battle of Poitiers, but not to be confused with the Battle of Poitiers, 1356) was fought on October 10, 732 between forces under the Frankish leader Charles Martel and a massive invading Islamic army led by Emir Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi Abd al Rahman, near the city of Tours, France. ... during a period in ...
The Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours (732) - A breakdown of the factions, the participants, and its legacy. Was it as important to Christian Europe as its been portrayed? ... Although an early victory against the Umayyads bought Odo and his forces time, the war started to swing against them with their defeat at the Battle of Garonne.
Charles Martel 732 Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours effectively halted the advance which had begun in 711. Moorish Warriors The victory of Martel in this battle is significant because it stopped the northward advance of Umayyads in Europe and helped in the preservation of Christianity in Europe during a time when Muslims had already defeated the Persian and Byzantine Empires.
Here's How Charles 'the Hammer' Martel Saved Europe From a Muslim
As well as halting the Islamic conquest, the Frankish win at Tours ensured that Christianity remained the controlling faith in Western Europe. At that time, the Muslim invaders were also busily trying to dismantle the Byzantine Empire in the East. Before we look at the battle, it is important to understand the events leading up to Tours.
The Battle of Tours: a turning point in European History
Best of Lost and Found Animals. The Battle of Tours: a turning point in European History. Charles Martel led his forces to victory over Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi in a struggle in France in 732. The History Guy remembers the battle of Tours, also called Battle of Poitiers, and the start of the Reconquista. It was a turning point in European history.
The Battle of Tours: A Turning Point in Early Medieval History
The Battle of Tours. The Battle of Tours itself took place in 732 AD, just twenty years after the Umayyad Caliphate had crossed into Spain. In just that short time, Muslim armies had made their way into what is now central France. The lack of political unity at the time made it easy for the strong, unified army of the Caliphate to march across ...
The Battle of Tours: A Turning Point that Shaped Europe's Destiny
The Battle of Tours, fought in 732 AD near Poitiers, France, was a pivotal moment in European history.It secured the victory of the Frankish leader, Charles Martel, against the invading Muslim forces of the Umayyad Caliphate and halted their advance into Western Europe.The battle had far-reaching consequences on the continent's political, religious, and cultural landscape, making it one of ...
Battle of Tours
The Battle of Tours was a significant conflict in 732 C.E. between the North African forces of the Umayyad Caliphate led by 'Abd al-Rahman and the Frankish army led by Charles Martel.
What Were the Major Battles and Conflicts of the Medieval Period?
From the Battle of Tours to the Spanish Reconquista, these are the major battles that took place during the Medieval period. In 476, the year Rome fell, heralded the Medieval Period, lasting until around 1492 when Christopher Columbus reached the Americas. Like any timespan, this Period was not immune to wars and protracted conflicts.
Medieval France's Epic Clashes and Historical Significance
The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers, was a crucial conflict between the Frankish forces under Charles Martel and the Umayyad Caliphate. ... marking a turning point in the war and igniting a period of introspection and reform within the French military. 3. The Battle of Poitiers (1356) ... Journey Back in Time: 10 ...
History buffs step back in time at Green-Wood Cemetery's annual Battle
Green-Wood Cemetery hosted its annual Battle of Brooklyn Commemoration and Family Day over the weekend, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the rich ... History buffs step back in time at Green-Wood Cemetery's annual Battle of Brooklyn. By Jada Camille Posted on August 26, 2024. ... and enslaved people from that period, we aim to provide ...
The Battle of Tours timeline
"The Battle of Tours" Period: Jan 1, 720 to Oct 10, 732. Leading Up to and The Battle of Tours Jan 1, 721. Attacks Begin Muslim attacks on Duke Eudes's land begins, although the first victory belonged to Eudes. Later however, Muslims gained ground and riches. Eventually, Eudes begs Charles Martel for help.
Battles That Made History: Tours
The AD 700s was a period wracked by the Umayyad conquests in Europe. They began in 711, when Saracens invaded the Visigothic Christian Kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula. ... At the time of the Battle of Tours, the Umayyad Caliphate was the most powerful military force in the world, and had swallowed up Hispania, Northern Africa, and what was ...

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Battle of Tours: Its Significance and Historical Implications

Celeste Neill

The Islamic advance

The Battle of Tours

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Battle Report: Battle of Tours

Background: The Umayyad Caliphate and its expansion

The Battle of Tours

The Field of the Cloth of Gold: The greatest show on turf

The Battle of Tours - A Decisive Fight for Europe’s Future

The Prelude to the Battle of Tours

The Hammer Enters the Fray

The Umayyad Wave That Broke On the Frankish Rock

Changing the Future of the World

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The Battle of Tours

The Great London Fire of 1666

Here’s How Charles ‘the Hammer’ Martel Saved Europe From a Muslim Invasion in 732 AD

The Muslim Invasion of Western Europe

The Invaders Become Complacent

Martel Makes His Move

Decisive Arab Defeat

Aftermath & Analysis

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The Battle of Tours: a turning point in European History

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The Battle of Tours: A Turning Point in Early Medieval History

The Advancing Muslim Kingdoms

The Christians Respond

The Battle of Tours

Frankish Conquest of Gaul and the Early Stages of the Holy Roman Empire

The Rise of the Catholic Church

A New Era in Medieval History

Battle of Tours that Shaped Europe’s Destiny

Key Takeaways:

Background of the Battle of Tours

Clash of Civilizations: Christianity vs. Islam

The Importance of Charles Martel

Battle Strategies and Tactics

Result: Preservation of Western Europe