The Frankish ruler Charles Martel (ca. 690-741) reestablished central authority in Francia and constructed a power base on which the Carolingian monarchs founded their empire. To understand the historical importance of Charles Martel ("the Hammer"), it...

(ca. 688/9–741). The founder of the Carolingian dynasty, Charles Martel was the dominant figure of western Europe in the first half of the 8th century. As sole mayor of the palace, he ruled the Frankish kingdom as a virtual monarch, and in his...

Charles MartelCologne – Amblève – Vincy – Soissons – Tours – Avignon – Narbonne – River Berre – Nîmes Charles Martel (Latin: Carolus Martellus, English: Charles "the Hammer") (23 August 686 – 22...