Charles Martel The Frankish ruler Charles Martel, b. c.688, d. Oct. 22, 741, was the first CAROLINGIAN to bring most of what is today France under his control. He was the illegitimate son of Pepin of Heristal, mayor of the palace in AUSTRASIA. When his father died (714) Charles fought for five years against Pepin's widow, Plectrude; Ragemfred, mayor of the palace in NEUSTRIA; and Radbod, duke of the Frisians, to secure his position as mayor.
From 719 until his death, Charles worked to expand Carolingian domination. In 732 or 733 he stopped the Muslim Arab advance northward from Spain in a celebrated battle between Poitiers and Tours. He conquered (733) Burgundy and thereafter fought steadily in the south of France. Although Charles supported the Christian mission of St. BONIFACE in Germany, he declined to help Pope Gregory III against the LOMBARDS in Italy. When Charles died he was succeeded as mayor of the palace by his sons PEPIN THE SHORT and Carloman.
Bernard S. Bachrach
Bibliography: Lot, Ferdinand, The End of the Ancient World and the Beginnings of the Middle Ages (1931); Wallace-Hadrill, J. M., The Barbarian West, 400-1000, 3d ed. (1967).
Spouse Chrotrud, 37G Grandmother, F
Children
1 M Jerome, 37G Uncle, M
2 M Carloman, 37G Uncle, M
3 M Pepin III "The Short", King Of Franks, 36G Grandfather, M
Birth 0715
Death 24 Sep 0768, St. Denis
Spouse Bertrada II Of Laon, 36G Grandmother, F