Charles+Martel

Arjun Dheenan 4/9/12     Bell 6 Tournament of Greatness 520 words Greatness is one ’ s ability to make an impact on the world through their actions, no matter if these actions are seen as morally right or wrong. A great person is one who ’ s actions affect entire nations, groups, and people. Charles Martel, was one such person. Charles Martel was the greatest historical figure of all time because of his military actions that consolidated the power of the Carolingian dynasty and determined the fate of Medieval Europe. Although Charles Martel was a genius military leader and garnered many victories over his career, an argument could be made that Martel was a brutal and violent man who ’ s battles were not justified. Going back to the definition of greatness, the end result and impact of an action defines whether it is great or not; morals are irrelevant. For example, in order for Martel to have expanded the Frankish empire and consolidate his dynasty ’ s power, it was necessary for him to conquer and eradicate his Saxon neighbors. (1) With this eradication, Martel achieved more land for his empire and dynasty, who then was able to further influence events in Europe. Martel simply had superior military tactics, all else is irrelevant concerning greatness. Martel ’ s military prowess is part of what made Martel great, the deaths of his multiple opponents do not change that. Charles Martel is considered by many to be one of the greatest military geniuses in history. (2) Martel, the illegitimate son of Pepin II, did not inherit anything from his father. Pepin ’ s other legitimate sons had all been assassinated, leaving a struggle for power for the Frankish empire. Martel was strong-willed and determined to gain power, which is part of what made him great. He was able to crush his competitors by escaping his imprisonment, gathering an army, and defeating the Neustrians to consolidate power. (3) Once in power, Martel ’ s military first tactics enabled him to consolidate the power of the Carolingian dynasty and expand the Frankish Empire by many conquests. In doing so, Martel ushered in a new era of rule under the Carolingian dynasty, taking power from the Merovingians. Although not as significant as his victory at the Battle of Tours, this new era shifted the main power of europe into the hands of a new dynasty. Martel is most known for his victory at the Battle of Tours. During Martel ’ s lifetime, there was a battle for power in Europe between the Christians and the Muslims. Martel ’ s victory at Tours effectively stifled Islamic expansion and shifted power in Europe in favor of the Christians. (3) Needless to say, it indirectly changed the course of history. Had Martel lost this battle, the Islamic empire could have spread all over Europe and then to the rest of the world; this would have truly changed our world today in many ways. Martel ’ s victory here was one of the most decisive victories in the history of the world and is the pinnacle of his achievements in life. In conclusion, Martel ’ s military genius caused major power shifts in Europe by his decisive victories, creating a powerful impact on the entire world. He was one of the few historical figures who truly achieved greatness. __ Footnotes __ 2. Haaren, John. "Famous Men of the Middle Ages." Authoroma. Accessed April 10, 2012. __ []  __. 3. Duckett, Eleanor. "Charles Martel." Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed April 10, 2012. __ []  __.
 * 1) Knight, Kevin. "Charles Martel." New Advent. Accessed April 10, 2012. __  []  __.