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The Battle of Tours (732 CE) was where Frankish forces led by Charles Martel defeated the Umayyad army, halting Muslim expansion into Western Europe.

detailed_explanation (300+ words):
The Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers, took place in 732 CE in present-day France. It is one of the most significant battles in European history because it marked the turning point in Muslim expansion into Western Europe.

In the early 8th century, the Umayyad Caliphate had rapidly expanded across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal). From there, Muslim forces advanced northward across the Pyrenees into the Frankish territories. Their aim was to extend Islamic rule deeper into Europe.

The Frankish army, led by Charles Martel, also known as “The Hammer,” confronted the Umayyad forces commanded by Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi. The battle took place near the city of Tours. Charles Martel’s troops, composed largely of infantry, formed a solid defensive formation that withstood repeated cavalry charges.

The turning point came when Abdul Rahman was killed during the battle, causing disarray among the Muslim troops. Without strong leadership, their forces retreated back toward Iberia.

The victory at Tours was celebrated by later historians as a defense of Christian Europe against Muslim conquest. While modern historians note that logistical and political factors also limited further Muslim expansion, the psychological and symbolic impact of the battle was immense. It bolstered Charles Martel’s reputation, helping to lay the foundations for the Carolingian Empire under his grandson, Charlemagne.

The Battle of Tours remains a crucial historical event because it is often seen as a moment when the cultural and political boundaries of medieval Europe were preserved. It is a key topic in both medieval history and General Knowledge for competitive exams.