The Albigensian Crusade - Flashcards
What was the purpose of the Albigensian Crusade?
To exterminate the Cathar heresy in southern France and strengthen the Catholic Church’s control over the region
Where does the term ‘Albigensian’ come from?
The city of Albi in southern France, where the heresy had a strong presence
Why did Catharism spread effectively in Southern France?
Due to the diocesan structure of religious life, lax enforcement of Catholic orthodoxy, and support from local nobility
What were the four dioceses in Southern France?
Narbonne, Bougres, Auch, and Bordeaux
Who was Raymond VI?
Count of Toulouse, a powerful noble who was suspected of supporting Catharism
How did Raymond VI make it difficult for the church to suppress Catharism?
By tolerating Catharism, expropriating Church lands, and being hostile to papal influence
Who replaced Guy Carcassonne after his death in 1224?
Bernard-Raimon, the son of a Cathar perfecti
Who was sent to strengthen the Cistercian commission in Languedoc?
Arnauld Amalric, Diego of Osma, and Dominic Guzman
Who was Pierre de Castelnau?
A Papal Legate sent to Languedoc to negotiate with Raymond VI and suppress Catharism
What happened to Pierre de Castelnau in 1208?
He was assassinated, allegedly by a knight in the service of Raymond VI
What was Innocent III’s response to the assassination of Pierre de Castelnau?
He excommunicated Raymond VI, declared him deposed, and offered ‘plenary indulgence’ to those who campaigned against Toulouse
What changed Raymond VI’s relationship with the Church in 1209?
He made peace with the Church, was reconciled, and took up the cross, joining the crusade against Catharism
What effect did Raymond VI’s reconciliation have on the crusade?
It stopped the crusading expedition from attacking his lands in Quercynois and redirected its focus on other Cathar strongholds
Who were the Trencavels?
A noble family in southern France, rivals of the Count of Toulouse, and rulers of territories with a strong Cathar presence
Why was it strange for the crusaders to target the Trencavels?
Because Viscount Raymond-Roger, the Trencavel leader, was not a heretic, but his lands were full of Cathar sympathizers
What happened during the capture of Beziers?
Cathars and Catholics were both murdered; the city was taken brutally, with an estimated 7,000-20,000 killed
What was the outcome of the siege of Carcassonne?
The city surrendered after a two-week siege, its inhabitants were spared, and Viscount Raymond-Roger was imprisoned, where he died shortly after
Who became the leader of the Trencavel lands after the capture of Carcassonne?
Simon de Montfort, a French nobleman, who was granted the lands by the Church and took up the crusade against Catharism
How did Simon de Montfort subdue the Trencavel lands?
Through military force, aggressive persecution of heretics, and by replacing local lords with French nobles loyal to the Church
What happened after the capture of Minerve?
140 Cathar Perfecti were burned at the stake after refusing to renounce their faith
Why did Raymond VI appeal to Innocent III?
o improve his situation with the Church, address the breakdown of relations with Arnald-Amalric, and seek support against Simon de Montfort’s encroachments on his territories
What was the outcome of Raymond VI’s appeal to Innocent III?
A new legate, Thedis, was appointed, but it made little difference to Raymond’s situation, as the Church continued to support Simon de Montfort’s actions
What happened at the Council of Narbonne in 1211?
The council did not go as planned, and Raymond VI was excommunicated for a second time, further strengthening Simon de Montfort’s position
What was the outcome of the battle at St Martin-les-Landes in autumn 1211?
Raymond VI suffered a costly defeat at the hands of Simon de Montfort, significantly weakening his military power
