Battle of Toulouse (721)

Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani, the governor (or wali) of Muslim Spain (al-Andalus), built up a strong army from North Africa, Yemen, and Syria to conquer Aquitaine, a large duchy in the southwest of modern-day France, formally under Frankish sovereignty, but in practice almost independent in the hands of the dukes of Aquitaine. He besieged the city of Toulouse, then Aquitaine's most important city, and Duke Odo of Aquitaine immediately left to find help. He returned three months later just before the city was about to surrender and defeated the Muslim invaders on June 9, 721, at what is now known as the Battle of Toulouse.

Related Topics:
Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani - Muslim Spain - North Africa - Yemen - Syria - Aquitaine - France - Frankish - Toulouse - Odo of Aquitaine - June 9 - 721

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Some historians believe this event halted the Arab advance in Europe, moreso than the celebrated Battle of Tours, October 10, 732, between Tours and Poitiers. This is problematic, however, because even had the Arabs won at Toulouse, they still would have had to conquer the Franks to have retained control of the region. However, virtually all historians agree that the Christian victory at Toulouse was important in a macrohistorical sense; it gave Charles Martel badly needed time to strengthen his grip on power and build the veteran army which stood him in such good stead 11 years later at Tours. Gibbons and other historians believe that Charles Martel was well aware of the growing storm from Muslim Spain and his primary focus in the decade between the Battles of Toulouse and Tours was to prepare for the later.

Related Topics:
Europe - Battle of Tours - 732

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His controversial seizure of church property to buy supporters, secure power, settle his northern frontier by any means necessary, including bribes in some cases, allowed him to fund his army and prepare for the coming danger. This earned great emnity from the Church at the time, but after Tours Rome swiftly saw the necessity of the Frankish Army. Without his veteran Frankish Army, Martel could not have prevailed at Tours, where his veterans accomplished what was thought impossible -- infantry withstanding armoured cavalry without firearms or even longbows! The 11 years between Toulouse and Tours without question gave him time to fully secure power, inspire the loyalty of his troops, and most importantly, drill the core of veterans who stood so stoutly in 732.

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Ironically, the view of Martel as enemy of the Church faded swiftly after Tours. Not only did he come to be hailed as the savior of Europe, but of the Church itself. While both are debatable, there is no question that Tours was a macrohistorical event that may well have assured the development of the Europe and Catholic Church

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as we know them today.

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