On This Date- Noah Welch

        On October 10^th 732 A.D. the destiny of Western Europe hung in question. A large force of 30,000 raiders from the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate invaded France looking to expand control over the region and obtain plunder. On a hill stood a band of Frankish soldiers numbering around 30,000, opposing the Umayyad. They were led by Charles Martel, a famous Frankish commander, who desired to obtain control of France for himself. Unfortunately for the Franks, the Umayyad’s force consisted mainly of heavy cavalry, troops that were trained to ride down their foes and drive their enemies before them on the points of their lances. The Franks had the advantage of better position. They stood atop a hill that was surrounded by trees that helped reduce the power of a charge. Martel ordered his men to form a defensive square and with the sound of trumpets and banners waving the Umayyad’s charged, and they charged, and they charged. The fighting was furious, the blood flowed in rivers and men on both sides died.  Several times the Umayyad’s broke the Frankish square only to be repulsed by stout defense from the Franks. When the dust cleared and the battle ended the world was shocked. The force of the Franks had driven the Umayyad’s from the battlefield. Never again would the forces of Islam invade France with such numbers.

     The Battle of Tours was a changing point in European history. It allowed Christianity to prevail in Europe and helped Charles Martel gain control of France.  This battle along with the failed siege of Constantinople allowed Western Europe to grow and expand into the Medieval Ages. This battle also paved the way for a grandson of Charles Martel, Charlemagne, to wrest control of a huge chunk of Europe. Perhaps most importantly the Franks proved that the seemingly unstoppable Umayyad’s progress could be halted.  This event was a great morale boost to Europe during the dark times after the fall of Rome. So was this good or bad?  It depends on who you ask. It was a spectacular achievement for the budding Christian European nation but a terrible blow to the Umayyad Caliphate.