Battle of Tours - The Franks Beat Back the Muslim Caliphate DOCUMENTARY 

🎥 Join our RU-vid members and patrons to unlock exclusive content! Our community is currently enjoying deep dives into the First Punic War, Pacific War, history of Prussia, Italian Unification Wars, Russo-Japanese War, Albigensian Crusade, and Xenophon’s Anabasis. Become a part of this exclusive circle: ru-vid.com/show-UCMmaBzfCCwZ2KqaBJjkj0fwjoin or patron: www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals and Paypal paypal.me/kingsangenerals as well!

Revisionists have tried to portray the Battle of Tours (Poitiers) as a raid and not an invasion. However, looking at the map and seeing how far the Caliphate had marched into Francia and the size of the Caliphate's army, would lead one to believe that this was an attempt at conquest. The "Hammer" saved Europe.

Tours inevitably stopped the arab conquest going further north. But in 735, they pushed east through Provence and Rhone valley. Charles decided to go there with his army and defeat them again. He started his campaign in 737, and to me, this campaign is much more significant in the history of France and in the process of repelling the muslim conquest than Tours. In 737, he cleared the rhone valley and took back every fortress of Provence in enemy hands one by one. Then, he entered Septimania, the only region north of the Pyerenees formally under Ummayad rule. He took all major cities except Narbonne. The Ummayad tried to help Septimania and sent a large force through the port of Narbonne to defeat Charles. He intercepted this force at the battle of River Berre and decisively defeated them. The battle of river Berre is very important, maybe equal or even more important than Tours. Because it made the Ummayads understand that they will inevitably lose Septimania and could not match Frankish power. From then, the Ummayads stopped sending reinforcements and soldiers north of the Pyrenees, somewhat accepting the fate of losing this land. Which happened a few years later when Charles' son, Pepin, laid Siege to Narbonne and took the city forcing the muslim survivors to choose between going back to the Emirate of Cordoba or being slaughtered on the spot. The Ummayads never tried any invasion of the Frankish kingdom again.

Slight correction on the artwork. Charles Martel was famously clean-shaven. It is said that during the battle "Charles removed his helmet so his men could see his clean shaven face and rally to him"

The battle of Tours is a good example for a counter-tactic. The Arabs strength was a mobile cavalry, with which they had beaten romans (east-rome), Persians, Visi-Goth and anyone they faced. The Franks knew the mix of the arab armys and their strategy since their vassal aquitaine was invaded by the arabs many times. So if your enemy is strong in mobility and setting traps, you can counter it with just dont play the mobility-game, but threatening his supply lines with your army, what he cant ignore. Another point is, since the arabs had experienced few resistence in europe until meeting the franks, they probably have judged the franks as relatively weak. In fact the franks where a nation that has grown by beating all other germanic kingdoms and tribes around in permanent wars. This facts and the seize of the frankish kingdom that could recruit many many warriors explains why the franks stopped the arabs, which many other nations including east-rome, persia and visigoth has failed to do.

Charles didn't just buy an army with the loan from the Pope from some mercenary shop, most of the men with him at Tours were his seasoned veterans who have bled with him in many battles for over a decade by that point. Umayyads didn't just stumble upon a clever and shrewd strategist, they came upon arguably the hardest dudes in Western Europe at the time. Charles Martel saved Europe from Arabic conquest, there oughta be a statue of him on every corner everywhere in Europe.

Charles “The Hammer” prepared for this battle carefully and thoroughly. Impressive.

What an insane and historically pivotal battle. I never get tired of hearing new analysis of it.

"Crusade was unprovoked and unjustified agression" The umayyads:

Charles Martel saved the future culture of France and ultimately, Europe.

I sit here weeping at witnessing so much greatness while my achievements has equated to a fraction of what these titans of history have accomplished. Thanks for posting gents

Hands down my favorite medieval era battle! ⚔️ 🇫🇷

"Had there not be Frankish mountain, Arabian sea would drown us all." Serbian leader, poet, philosopher and ruler - Petar II Petrović Njegoš, in his majestic work, "Gorski vijenac"

In the land of Franks, a champion stood, Charles Martel, a name known for good. With valor and might, he led the fight, His victory in Tours, a beacon of light. A defender of faith, a warrior bold, His story in history forever told. Against the Moorish horde, he did prevail, With courage and strategy, he did not fail. Oh Charles Martel, a hero of his land, With sword in hand, he made his stand. For Christianity and the French way, He fought to protect them day by day. Through battles fierce, he carved his name, A legacy of strength, forever to claim. In Tours, his triumph echoed loud, As Europe rejoiced, their spirits unbowed. His importance, not just for Frankia alone, But for all of Europe, his leadership shone. He saved the continent from a dire fate, Preserving its culture, its values innate. Charles Martel, a symbol of resilience and pride, A guardian of faith with his people beside. His legacy lives on, through generations past, A hero of France, his memory will last. So let us remember this noble knight, Whose victories brought hope in the darkest night. Charles Martel, a champion true, We honor your legacy, forever anew.

I would argue that France had a stronger centralization, and that is what kept the kingdom more focused on defeating their enemies

All these Muslims in the comments seething about a battle they lost 1000+ years ago will never not be funny

Proud to know Charles Martel is my 39th great grandfather. Most europeans are decended from him so im no one special but still. Incredible to know that fact

By this time (732), the Muslim Empire (Caliphate) had expanded so much vast & over such diverse populations & territories, that it would ultimately reach to a breaking point if proper consolidation policies wouldn't been applied in the newly conquered territories. And this is the mistake which Umayyads did, as they didn't properly consolidate territory in West Africa (today Morocco), Iberia, Indus & Transoxiana, leaving thus the regions at a risk of rebellion, which when combined with defeats at Tour (732) & in India & Transoxiana in 730s & finally led to serious inside revolts one of them being the Berber Revolt in 740, leading to the empire getting fractured from inside (Third Fitna & Abbasid Revolution), that ultimately resulted in the halting of expansion of Caliphate. Because by this time, almost 100 years in war, you shall not keep winning on tactics, politics & strategy also come into play to keep such far flung empire united, which the Umayyads failed to do, as they faced serious revolts both inside & shocking defeats outside resulting in to bring their own downfall.

Excellent video The early Arab-Muslim Empires were impressive. They fought simultaneously in deepest Europe and Central Asia. Looking forward to next video.

The victory of Charles the « Hammer » changed future France and Europe forever . The genius of one man saved Christianity . Gibbon « without Charles Martel , France will be a Muhammad province » Voltaire .

I enjoy when you talked about early AD middle east history. Keep up the good work y'all are great.

I have said this about many battles and historical events covered in this awesome channel but WHYYY has there not been a major epic movie about this ? Lol

This is the one I’ve been waiting for and it did not disappoint!! Well done as always!!

The number of people coping in the comments sayign it was totally just a raiding force we definitely didn't want to repeat what happenned in Spain and colonise the land completely. Typically also the same people who say that Frankia was jsut a backwater to the Islamic empire, yes because of course you want to raid people poorer than you not take their lands. So much money to be made in "raiding" backwaters lol.

Hi from persia , Hail to the Hammer , it's interesting that 15 years after this war , Persian general Abumuslim from khorasan destroyed all of Umayyad caliphate he destroyed the war machine of Islam. ❤

One of the most important battles ever fought in the last 2,000 years, along with Lepanto

caint wait for the kazar series! any ideas when your team will have the chance to release the first episode?

Your writing is wizard class. Beyond master class. Beautiful documentaries.❤ Houston, TX

*The Franks beat back the Arabian Caliphate = as we don't say the Christians beat back the Muslim Caliphate.

This channel is better than school history books

Only 30 kilometers away from Paris. from the deserts of Arabia to the heart of Europe

"Can't Touch This" by MC Charles Hammer ft. Leo III and Duke Odo

The battle that saved Europe and perhaps the world ✝

Been waiting for this battle to be narrated! Thanks!

Great way to begin the show with a short prologue of the map and little bit of story telling. I remember BazBattles usually do this kind of intro. Good job guys.

Bulgaria taught them a lesson in 717-718 as 22,000 Arabs had to die in Thrace alone. It looks like the Franks were taking notes. Good job!

From my historical perspective of the Battle of Tours/Poitiers, basically three main factors contributed to the Frankish victory: • 1) The first factor, in my historical analysis, is the very discipline of the Frankish forces (as the video superbly highlighted). Charles Martel's soldiers were, first and foremost, battle-hardened veterans of other campaigns, as well as being extremely loyal to their commander. In his book "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, from Marathon to Waterloo", Sir Edward Creasy pointed out that "Charles Martel added experienced skill to his natural courage, and he had also formed a militia of veterans among the Franks" (pag 83). Furthermore, the devastating Saracen raids throughout Gaul ended up boosting the fighting spirit of the Franks. In the Frankish mindset, it was necessary to halt the Muslim invader once and for all! Otherwise, there wouldn't be a village in Gaul that would be spared from looting. In other words, the violence of the Saracen attacks boosted the Franks' willingness to fight the enemy. As Edward Creasy pointed out: "So dreadful and so wide-spread were the ravages of the Saracenic fight cavalry throughout Gaul that it must have been impossible to restrain, for any length of time, the indignant ardour of the Franks" (Chapter VII, pag 83-84). • 2) Instead of waging the battle in an open field, Charles Martel had positioned his army in a slightly elevated forest, which ended up facilitating the Frankish defense. By placing his troops in an elevated forest near the Vienne river, Charles not only managed to disrupt and minimize the impact of the Muslim cavalry, but he also managed to screen the true size of his army! This strategy adopted by Charles Martel, for example, made Abd al-Rahman reluctant, since he did not see the exact number of the Frankish forces. By positioning his troops on a forested hill, Charles Martel was able to reduce the effectiveness of the ferocious Moorish cavalry! Martel therefore fought how and where he wanted, which proved decisive for his victory. • 3) Odo the Great's forces! In addition to Charles Martel's soldiers, the forces of Duke Odo of Aquitaine were also essential for the Frankish victory at Poitiers (as the video highlighted). Unlike Charles Martel, Duke Odo had been fighting Muslims since 721, i.e., 11 years prior to Poitiers. It was Duke Odo, not Charles Martel, who received the brunt of the Muslim attacks! His fiefdom, the Duchy of Aquitaine, had been attacked since 721, when Governor Al-Samh crossed the Pyrenees with his army. It was Duke Odo's forces, for example, who defeated Governor Al-Samh's forces at the Battle of Toulouse, in which Al-Samh himself had been killed. Furthermore, it was Odo who warned Charles Martel of the danger of the Muslim advance, which inevitably provided time for Charles to prepare for battle. At the Battle of Poitiers/Tours, Odo's forces were essential to the Frankish victory, as they attacked the Arabs from the rear. While Martel's infantry was still engaging the Arab cavalry charges, Odo's forces, who were strategically deployed in Martel's rear, decided to attack the Muslim camp itself! By attacking the Muslims from the rear, Odo intended to ravage the Muslim camp, free slaves, retrieve booty, and, most importantly, draw off part of Abd al-Rahman's forces. Odo's strategy of attacking the enemy from the rear, in my historical analysis, was simply essential to the Frankish victory, as this caused the Moorish troops to retreat towards their own camp! Upon Odo's attack, many Arab units rushed back to save their treasures. Odo's attacks, therefore, shook Arab discipline itself, and not even Abd al-Rahman himself, who was highly respected by his men, managed to restore discipline. By attacking the Muslim camp, Odo managed to destroy not only the Moorish morale, but their discipline as well. In the confusion that followed the withdrawal of the Moorish troops, Abd al-Rahman himself was killed, which further increased the despair of the Muslim forces. Needless to say, Abd al-Rahman's death completely demoralized the Muslim forces. According to Edward Creasy: "The European writers all concur in speaking of the fall of Abd al-Rahman as one of the principal causes of the defeat of the Arabs; who, according to one writer, after finding that their leader was slain, dispersed in the night, to the agreeable surprise of the Christians" (Chapter VII, 84). The fact that Muslim military morale had collapsed after Abd al-Rahman's death at Poitiers, however, has a historical explanation: Abd al-Rahman's popularity as a leader and governor. Virtually all Muslim sources portray Abd al-Rahman as a just and righteous ruler. In his book "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, from Marathon to Waterloo", Sir Edward Creasy pointed out: "In addition to his cardinal military virtues, Abd al-Rahman is described by the Arab writers as a model of integrity and justice. The first two years of his second administration in Spain were occupied in severe reforms of the abuses which his predecessors had crept into the system of government" (Chapter VII, pag 83). Therefore, Abd al-Rahman's death came as a heavy blow to the troops, as their esteemed ruler now lay dead on the battlefield. Be that as it may, the Battle of Poitiers was only won thanks to a set of factors. If it were not for the discipline of Martel's soldiers, as I explained in the first factor, the Frankish defeat would be inevitable. The terrain, as I explained in the second factor, was also decisive.

This Channel and “voices of the past” are simply sublime

Video title: Battle of Tours K&G: Anyway, here are 14 minutes of Arabs fighting Turks.

*Transoxiana* 1:56 Hisham ibn abd al-Malik's reign 6:03 Qaysi-Yamani conflict 14:07 *Battle of Tours* Jaxartes

Amazing to wake up and watch a ⚜ French history video from Kings and Generals

A lot of people are descendents of Charles Martel or Duke Odo. Some descend from both. Let me have my moment because I am a descendent of both!!!! Great video!

Charles was a great leader who knew his enemy well. He trained a professional army, picked up the battlefield, knew his strengths and weaknesses, and provided great leadership and innovative tactics.

Since the title of this series is early Muslim expansion, do you have an end goal in mind? Or will it segue into e.g. Muslim consolidation or something along those lines?

Literally just learning about this in my Islamic Civ course this past week. What amazing timing

Never knew that Muslim Khaliphate came 200 km close to Paris.

as someone in the german rhineland with frankish ancestors i enjoy every video about the franks

Hope you also make video on arab invasion of gujjar-pratihara dynasty and chalukya dynasty.

Grandfather of Emperor Charlemagne, the Prince of the Franks that was Lord Charles Martel, the Hammer of God who crushed the Arabs at Poitiers and saved Western Europe from Islamization, never shall we forget his great victory!

Based Franks

Such an underdiscussed stage of this period in history... thanks for covering it!

He was my 37th great grandfather. Philippe Jean Kogler, You → Denise Kogler, your mother → Marcelle Helene Marchoux, her mother → Jean Texier, her father → Jean Texier, his father → Pierre Texier, his father → Marquis Etienne Texier de Javerlhac, his father → Marquis Etienne-Marie Texier de Javerlhac, his father → Marquis Pierre-Francois-Marie Texier de Javerlhac, his father → Marquis Henri-Bernard Texier de Javerlhac, his father → Marquis Bernard Texier de Javerlhac, his father → Comte Jean-Francois Texier de Javerlhac, his father → Henri de Texier, his father → Francois de Texier, Seigneur du Breuil, his father → Catherine de Texier, his mother → Baron Raymond de Lambertye de Montbrun, her father → Seigneur François De Lambertie, his father → Jean De Lambertie, his parent → Catherine De Lambertie, his mother → Allemande de Gontaut Biron, her mother → Gaston de Gontaut, IV, her father → Pierre De Gontaut Biron, his father → Gaston de Gontaut Biron, III, his father → Marguerite Marqueze de Lomagne, his mother → Obrie de L'Isle-Jourdain, her mother → Bernard Jourdain de L'Isle-Jourdain, Comte de L'Isle-Jourdain & de Dunes, her father → Bernard I de L'Isle-Jourdain, his father → Jourdain I de Lisle, his father → Raymond I de Lisle, his father → Emma Taillefer, his mother → Guillaume III Taillefer, comte de Toulouse, her father → Adélaïde la Blanche d'Anjou, Reine consort d'Aquitaine, his mother → Fulk II, Count of Anjou, her father → Fulko I "Le Rouge", Comte de Anjou, his father → Ingelger, count of Anjou, his father → Petronelle d'Auxerre de Gâtinais, Comtesse de Anjou, his mother → Hugo, Archchancellor of the Empire, her father → Charlemagne, Römisch-deutscher Kaiser, his father → Pippin der Jüngere, his father → Karl "der Hammer" Martell, his father

It's always weird each time i see an anglo-saxon calling this "battle of Tours", whereas here in France we call "battle of Poitiers"

The Legendary Battle of Tours where Charles Martel drives back the first Muslim Invasion of Europe

Fun fact General Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi’s clan still exist today in Saudi Arabia Banu Ghafiq clan of ‘Akk tribe

Kazar, Turgesh and Tang also played a very important role in limiting Muslim expansion eastwards for centuries.

I wish Kings and Generals make an episode about Tipu Sultan.

I enjoy less common titles for historical people. There are so many "the Greats" out there, but not many "the Hammers" haha. In all seriousness, thank you for another excellent episode. God be with you out there everybody. ✝️ :)

Sweet! I’ve been waiting to see this battle covered by K&G.

This video answered 2 questions I had about the battle of Tour. As a descendent of Charles Martel I have always had a keen interest in the subject

Charles martel ❤

I’ve been waiting for K&G to do this battle for literally years! Thank you so much, great content like always 👍🏻

Battle of the Tours by the Frankish Kingdom and Reconquista is my favourite bit of history as is the Ruy Lopez my favourite chess opening, and 4-3-3 is my favourite football formation.

Charles Martel: So the Muslims want to take France by force, huh? Leo the Isaurian: Hey Charles, you need any help? Charles Martel: Nah Leo, I can handle on my own. I have my first professional army to beat the Umayyads head on.

Glad you covered Battle of Tours

I am quite confused with this documentary mind explaining to me that If you're foucsing on the Battle of Tour why not focus on the geopolitical of the area and not some battle thousands of Kilometres aways? What's even the pour purpose of that? You spend 15 mins on the Caliphate and only less then 7 on the actual historical events of the battle? If you want to make a history of the caliphate why not separate it to another video?

Good GG Franks. Git Gud Caliphate

The battle that saved the continent of Europe from Muslim rule, Battle of Tours 732.We thank Charles the hammer Martel for that.

Duke Odo is one of the most underrated generals in history. Martel usually gets all the credit despite all Odo did to stop the Umayyad invasion.

Thanks Franks

At the half-way point, I was starting to wonder if I was watching the right video.

I only knew about the battle I didn't know a lot of this information thanks 👍🏻

guys please do the Battle of Covadonga next!.... It is basically the Asturian-Spanish version of the 300!

An impressive feat by the Ummayads to reach that far. Remember that the ummayad force that met with Charles and his coalition was just a small fraction of the ummayad military. A large part of their forces was busy pushing eastwards into central asia from the middle east, while others had to garrison the whole of north africa and all of Iberia. During the time of the conquest of Iberia the ummayads were besieging constantinople at the same time. The berber revolt caused the berbers to leave their garrison in northern Iberia to fight in the southern iberia against the ummayds and also in northwestern africa., hich made the ummayads lose control over the areas and Alfonso could capture the empty fortresses and lands north of the duero river. That is the reason the ummayds didnt pursue a conquests north of the pyrenees. They didnt have enough soldiers to garrison the vast areas they had conquered. In parts of Iberia even jews held the cities for them until they came back (because they were content with the new muslim rulers).

Great video as always thank you.

There goes my hero... good old Charles Martel.

Could you put a scale to show distance in your maps? I would love that,great work again btw!

i had no idea the caliphate pushed that deep into Europe.

You guys should really collab with paradox and CK more, every time I watch a KG video it’s all I can think about.

Seeing the thumbnail I thought it was a Total war, as Tours also means turns xD

Oh sweet, I always wanted to know more details about the Arab-Khazar Wars. :)

Fun fact: my family is directly descendent from the line of Charles Martel. Kinda feels like I should be doing something important.

I am proud to be a descendant of the Umayyads and our original homeland is Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

It is can't believe that in just 100 years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Islamic territory was able to reach almost the territory of France in the West and India in the East. I asked what would have happened if Abdurrahman Al-Ghafiqi had won the battle? Can Europe being Muslim today?

Awesome narrative. Keep it up !

I was literally thinking about this battle yesterday and wishing that Kings and Generals did a video on it

Sorry, I am usually an enthusiast, BUT I can’t really understand why In a video of 24 minutes over the battle of Tours, at minute 14 (~60%) I am still seeing about the battles fought in the Khorasan.. Why 60% of a video over battle of Tours/Poitiers focuses over Khorasan/Transoxiqna? It is not an introduction.. it is the majority of the video.. I don’t know why this bother me a lot.

A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.

Many a small battle has massive consequences and massive battles xan have no consequences.. I think we can agree the Pernees mountains we a natural barrier and the Muslims had lots their momentum.. Allah Knows best

The Franks are the heroes of human civilization❤️🇨🇵❤️

Terrific video! ⚔🔥🙌

For a video about the battle of Tours, a lot of it happens in the Middle East.

Can't wait next chapter about Muslim expansion

Charles Martel The Hammer! Europe's first super hero.

It’s not too far in the future that this battle will have to be recreated.

More videos on Islamic history, Great work Kings and Generals

Excellent video. I'm looking forward to the Arab-Khazar Wars.

The new caliphate is much more subtle.

Thank god we were saved !

As an Ex Muslim, I praise the Franks for defending the west against the Terror of Islam 😁