The ancient state of the Franks has undergone many wars and destruction, however, thanks to the strategic thinking of Karl Martell, it not only preserved itself on the map of Europe, but also strengthened its political positions.
Biography
The Franks lived for twenty-seven years under the reign of the great Pepin of Geristalsky. Since the death of the imperious sovereign, the descendants of the king have started internecine battles for the right to own the Merovingian crown. Karl Martell was an illegitimate son and did not have the rights for which Pepin's legitimate sons fought.
Charles was kept in prison, where his rivals were placed after the death of the ruler Pepin, but in 716 he managed to escape. Gathering like-minded people and associates into one strong army, Charles began his ascent to power. The bloody battles were not in vain, he managed to take possession of the Gallic province of Neustria. The chronicles of that time report that Austrasia was under his command, Karl ruled over it as a ward mayor.
Government job
Year 720 is crucial for the Franks - Charles made a successful attempt to unite Gaul and form a state. He accepted the challenge of his enemies and won the battle at Soissons, after which he was called "the leader of the Franks."
In those days, the authority of force reigned, any united territory was subject to raids and plundering by the stronger. Karl had to show remarkable willpower and talent as a statesman in order to protect the external borders. He went by way of strengthening his military strength by distributing lands and church property to soldiers. Charles appointed illiterate and brutal fighters who perfectly wielded the sword and won battles for the lands to the highest spiritual positions of archbishops.
The best warriors were the Germans, who willingly tried on church clothes for iron armor.
This policy was not approved by the leaders of the Christian church, but it was these radical steps of Charles to strengthen power that subsequently saved Europe from destruction.
The country was threatened by the Muslim invasion of the Arabs, under whose rule the entire territory of modern Spain was by that time. Having occupied all the lands of Gibraltar, the Moors made their predatory raids deep into Christian Europe, enriching themselves with impunity and oppressing ordinary people.
The main enemy of Karl Martell was the Arab Abd ar-Rahman. Under green flags, with the name of the prophet on hot lips, Muslims destroyed everything that Christians created. In 732 the city of Bordeaux was burned down. Then the Duke of Evdon stepped over his pride and turned to Charles for help.
This is how the famous battle of Poitiers took place, in which the troops of the Franks led by Karl Martell won and defeated the Muslim hordes.
The date of the battle is October 732, when for several days without stopping people belonging to two irreconcilable religions destroyed each other.
Family and personal life
The military leader had two sons, whom the beautiful wife of Hrodtruda gave birth to. Medieval chronicles have brought to this day information about Charles's numerous illegitimate children.
