This episode of The Rest Is History podcast explores the Battle of Tours, fought in 732 CE, and its significance in history. Traditionally seen as a crucial confrontation between Christianity and Islam, recent scholarship argues it was more of a raid than a large-scale invasion. The conversation delves into the battle's intricate background, including the power struggles among the Franks and the varied motivations behind the Umayyad forces, while questioning how much impact it really had on European history. Additionally, the episode discusses how far-right groups have co-opted the narrative around this battle in recent years, adding a layer of political sensitivity to its interpretation.
