The Arabs had taken over North Africa, Spain, & Turkey by 700 AD. They started to invade the rest of Europe in 732. Charlemagne's grandfather, Charles Martel had the only army in Europe capable of stopping them, which he did in 732 south of Tours, France. Only students of European history are aware of this battle. Martel was a description meaning hammer rather than a name. He was given that name because, he did not accept surrender when he had beaten an opposing army. He pursued the Arabs back into Spain, killing as many as he could before returning to France due to lack of supplies. His activity demoralized the Arabs who never again tried to invade Europe. A date in 1492 is commemorated in Spain because it is the date on which Grenada (last city held by Arabs) was returned to Spanish control.