Charles Martel Charles Martel (c. 688 – 22 October 741) was a Frankish statesman and military leader
The "Age of the Caliphs ", showing Umayyad dominance stretching from the Middle East to the Iberian peninsula, including the port of Narbonne , c. 720 Martel is considered to be the founding figure of the European Middle Ages . Skilled as an administrator and warrior, he is often credited with a seminal role in the development of feudalism and knighthood . Martel was a great patron of Saint Boniface and made the first attempt at reconciliation between the Papacy and the Franks. The Pope wished him to become the defender of the Holy See and offered him the Roman consulship . Martel refused the offer. [8] [9] Although Martel never assumed the title of king, he divided Francia, like a king, between his sons Carloman and Pepin . The latter became the first of the Carolingians , the family of Charles Martel, to become king. Martel's grandson, Charlemagne , extended the Frankish realms to incl...