The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

CHARLES MARTEL

Charles Martel was a ruler of the Franks. He was a son of Pepin Heristal. His father had governed as mayor of the palace under the weak Frankish kings with so much justice that he was enabled to make his office hereditary in his family. Chilperic II, king of the Franks, refusing to acknowledge Charles Martel as mayor of the palace, the latter deposed him, and set Clothaire IV in his place. After the death of Clothaire he restored Chilperic, and subsequently placed Thierri on the throne. Charles Martel rendered his rule famous by the great victory which he gained in October, 732, over the Saracens, near Tours, from which he acquired the name of Martel, signifying hammer. He died in 741.
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