Historical Figure
Charles Martel
686–741
Frankish military and political leader (c. 688–741)
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Biography
Charles Martel, Martel being an Old French sobriquet meaning "The Hammer", was a Frankish political and military leader who, as Duke and Prince of the Franks and Mayor of the Palace, was the de facto ruler of the Franks from 718 until his death. He was a son of the Frankish statesman Pepin of Herstal and a noblewoman named Alpaida. Charles successfully asserted his claims to power as successor to his father as the power behind the throne in Frankish politics. Continuing and building on his father's work, he restored centralized government in Francia and began a series of military campaigns that re-established the Franks as the undisputed masters of all Gaul. According to the contemporary Liber Historiae Francorum, Charles was "a warrior who was uncommonly ... effective in battle".
Timeline
The story of Charles Martel, told in moments.
Born as the eldest son of King Charles II of Naples and Mary of Hungary. Named after Charles Martel, the Frankish ruler, though he belonged to the Capetian dynasty.
Pope Nicholas IV declared him titular King of Hungary at age 18, opposing Andrew III who actually held the throne. Charles never managed to govern Hungary.
Knew Dante personally. In the Divine Comedy, Dante placed his spirit in the Heaven of Venus and spoke warmly of him.
Died of the plague in Naples at 23. His son Charles Robert eventually succeeded where he failed and won the Hungarian throne.
Artifacts (12)
Charles Martel / Vaillant et sage..., from 'Game of the Kings of France' (Jeu des Rois de France)
Stefano della Bella
The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colours, and Their Applications to the Arts
Originally published in 1855, this influential work explores the principles of color harmony and contrast and their applications in the fields of art and design. Martel and Chevreul provide a...
Forget about surviving 30 some odd years in the music business, Lionel Richie su...
e and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Achievement Award at UCLA's annual Spring Sing. In accepting the award, Richie said: "Forget about surviving 30 some odd years in the music business, Lionel Richie...
Grown Iraqi men get misty-eyed by the mere mention of his name. 'I love Lionel R...
tates, and has performed in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Libya. John Berman for ABC News reported in 2006 that "Grown Iraqi men get misty-eyed by the mere mention of his name. 'I...
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