Battle of Tours
732 CE · Near Poitiers, France · World · Medieval
The Frankish infantry phalanx withstood the cavalry charges; the commander Abd al-Rahman was killed in battle, and the Umayyad army withdrew at night.
Belligerents
Frankish Kingdom
- Commanders
- Charles Martel
- Strength
- About 15,000-30,000 heavy infantry
Umayyad Caliphate
- Commanders
- Abd al-Rahman
- Strength
- About 20,000-30,000 Arab and Berber cavalry
Background
After conquering Spain, the Umayyads crossed the Pyrenees to raid north, heading straight for the riches of the Abbey of Saint Martin at Tours.
Course of the battle
- Advance northThe Umayyad army pushed north from Spain along the Garonne, plundering as it went.
- Forming upCharles Martel held the high ground with a dense infantry phalanx.
- Decisive battleThe Arab cavalry charged repeatedly without success, and after their commander was killed in battle they collapsed and retreated.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 732 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Near Poitiers, France |
| Result | The Frankish infantry phalanx withstood the cavalry charges; the commander Abd al-Rahman was killed in battle, and the Umayyad army withdrew at night. |
| Winner | Frankish Kingdom |
| Casualties | The Arab side suffered heavy losses, including its commander; Frankish casualties were relatively light. |
| Territorial change | It halted Umayyad expansion into the heart of Western Europe and stabilized the lands north of the Pyrenees. |
Impact
Seen as a turning point in Christian Western Europe's resistance to Islamic expansion, it laid the foundation for the rise of the Carolingian dynasty.
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