The BBC recently aired a programme "In Our Time" presented by Melvyn Bragg.
I quote from the programme blurb:
In 732 a large Arab army invaded Gaul from northern Spain, and travelled as far north as Poitiers. There they were defeated by Charles Martel, whose Frankish and Burgundian forces repelled the invaders. The result confirmed the regional supremacy of Charles, who went on to establish a strong Frankish dynasty. The Battle of Tours was the last major incursion of Muslim armies into northern Europe; some historians, including Edward Gibbon, have seen it as the decisive moment that determined that the continent would remain Christian.
I have provided these links for anyone who enjoys history:
http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/imperialism/notes/tours.html
http://www.histoire-pour-tous.fr/forum/moussais-86-la-bataille-de-poitiers-en-732-t9979.html
I can't find my own photos of Moussais... possibly pre this computer's photo system. It is quite an interesting outdoor museum / exhibition but last time I was there it looked as if it needed TLC. It is sited near the lake of St Cyr which is heaving with waterside visitors in Summer but in Winter there are more avian visitors and it's good to walk around the lake... nearby a golf club! Also it is not far from the Reserve Naturelle de Pinail...where now that mining for millstones has ceased there is heathland and small ponds, a haven for wildlife. A group visit might be a good idea???????
Warfare is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
ReplyDeleteYour article is very well done, a good read.