Battle of Tours

The Battle of Tours (often called the Battle of Poitiers, but not to be confused with the Battle of Poitiers, 1356) was fought on October 25, 732 (October 10, old-style calendar) between forces under the Frankish leader Charles Martel and an Islamic army led by Emir Abd er Rahman. During the battle, the Franks defeated the Islamic army and Emir Abd er Rahman was killed. The result of this battle stopped the northward advance of Islam from the Iberian peninsula. This battle is considered by most historians to be of macrohistorical importance, in that it may have halted the invasion of Europe by Muslims, and preserved Christianity as the controlling faith, during a period in which Islam was overrunning the remains of the old Roman and Persian Empires.

Combatants

• Franks, led by Charles Martel. Estimates of his forces vary, but by most accounts were between 15-75,000. Losses according to St. Denis were about 1,500.
• Muslims, 60-400,000 cavalry, (most likely closer to the lower number) under Abd er Rahman.