Albigensian Crusade
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The Albigensian Crusade, also known as the Cathar Crusade, was a military and ideological campaign initiated by Pope Innocent III to eliminate Catharism in Languedoc, what is now southern France. The
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
"Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius." is a Latin phrase reportedly spoken by the commander of the Albigensian Crusade, prior to the massacre at Béziers on 22 July 1209. A direct translation
Pope Innocent III (enthroned) and Arnold of Citeaux, kneeling
Innocent III excommunicating the Albigensians, left, and their massacre by the crusaders, right