The Albigensians: Their Origins and the Action of the Church in the 12th Century

FOREWORD

In the 12th century, a major anti-Christian and anti-social movement suddenly erupted in the LanguedocA historical region in southern France, known for its distinct culture and the Occitan language. It became the primary seat of the Albigensian heresy.. From the moment it appeared, it was powerful, organized, and armed. It had existed for a century, having begun around the year 1015. However, this duration alone cannot explain such dominance. To defeat it at the start of the 13th century, it required the sword of the greatest soldier of his day, Simon de Montfort.

Contemporary writers seem to have ignored the causes behind these bold attempts at violent revolution. Yet, any major event occurring across vast territories for two hundred years in opposition to all established powers must have an historical explanation. It was therefore necessary to search for the traces, which are almost erased at times, of another movement that began in another era...