Charles Martel

Charles Martel (A.D. 688–741), Frankish ruler who, as mayor of the palace (chief minister) from 714, ruled in place of the weak Merovingian kings. The son of Pepin II, he received his surname Martel (the Hammer) after his victory against Muslim invaders in 732. His policies assured Frankish preeminence in northern Europe, which culminated in his grandson Charlemagne's coronation as emperor (800).

See also: Merovingian.