The Albigensian Crusade or Cathar Crusade (1209–1229) was a military and ideological campaign initiated by Pope Innocent III to eliminate Catharism in Languedoc, what is now southern France. The Crusade was prosecuted primarily by the French crown and promptly took on a political aspect. It resulted in the significant reduction of practicing Cathars and a realignment of the County of Toulouse with the French crown. The distinct regional culture of Languedoc was also diminished.
Massacre against the Albigensians by the Crusaders
This Pedro Berruguete work of the 15th century depicts a story of Saint Dominic and the Albigensians, in which the texts of each were cast into a fire, but only Saint Dominic's proved miraculously resistant to the flames.
Carcassonne with the Aude river in the foreground
Cathars being expelled from Carcassonne in 1209
Pope Innocent III, born Lotario dei Conti di Segni, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 8 January 1198 until his death on 16 July 1216.
Detail of a fresco at the cloister Sacro Speco, c. 1219
Bulla of Innocent III
Innocent launched the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars.
Tomb of Pope Innocent III at Saint John Lateran basilica
