Charles Martel (686

Talk to Charles Martel

Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI

Biography

Charles Martel of the Capetian dynasty was the eldest son of king Charles II of Naples and Mary of Hungary, the daughter of King Stephen V of Hungary.

The 18-year-old Charles Martel was set up by Pope Nicholas IV and the ecclesiastical party as the titular King of Hungary (1290–1295) as the successor of his maternal uncle, the childless Ladislaus IV of Hungary against whom the Pope had already earlier declared a crusade.

Timeline

The story of Charles Martel, told in moments.

1271 Birth

Born as the eldest son of King Charles II of Naples and Mary of Hungary. Named after Charles Martel, the Frankish ruler, though he belonged to the Capetian dynasty.

Was being named after Charles Martel a weight to carry? Did the Capetian dynasty feel like a destiny?

1290 Event

Pope Nicholas IV declared him titular King of Hungary at age 18, opposing Andrew III who actually held the throne. Charles never managed to govern Hungary.

How does it feel to be declared king of a country you never governed? Was the papal declaration meaningful or empty?

1295 Life

Knew Dante personally. In the Divine Comedy, Dante placed his spirit in the Heaven of Venus and spoke warmly of him.

Did knowing Dante personally feel significant in your lifetime? Is being placed in the Heaven of Venus by a great poet the best possible tribute?

1295 Death

Died of the plague in Naples at 23. His son Charles Robert eventually succeeded where he failed and won the Hungarian throne.

Does dying of plague at twenty-three feel like a life cut short or a life complete? Was your son succeeding where you failed the real legacy?

Artifacts (1)

Charles Martel / Vaillant et sage..., from 'Game of the Kings of France' (Jeu des Rois de France)

Stefano della Bella

1644 · Etching

The Met View

More from the Medieval

Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi

b. 1207

Hasan al-Askari

846–874

Imam Bukhari

b. 810

Thomas Becket

1118–1170

Empress Matilda

1102–1167

Harun al-Rashid

763–809

Explore what happened on the days that shaped Charles Martel's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.