Charles Martel was a Frankish military leader and statesman who lived from 688 to 741 AD. He is best known for his role as the Mayor of the Palace, effectively ruling the Frankish kingdom. Martel is often credited with uniting the Frankish tribes and laying the groundwork for the Carolingian Empire. One of his most significant achievements was the victory at the Battle of Tours in 732, where he halted the advance of Muslim forces into Western Europe. This battle is considered a turning point in European history, as it helped to preserve Christianity in the region and solidified Martel's reputation as a formidable leader.