Browsing by Subject "Simon de Montfort"

This study examines the resistance against the Albigensian Crusade. The crusade was launched by Pope Innocent III in 1208 and it targeted Raymond VI, Count of Toulouse, who was accused of harbouring heretics in his lands. The crusade turned into a war of conquest and was highly successful as such. In just few years the crusaders were able to conquer most of what is now southern France. The southerners were incapable to unite against the crusaders. This study examines the reasons behind this. With a careful examination of the contemporary narratives, it is possible to differentiate three different phases of the resistance. The first phase was the conquest when the warfare consisted almost solely of siege warfare. The southerners did not recognise any military obligations towards their lords, so they did not rally to help their lords if they were besieged. The second phase can only be described as a guerilla warfare. During this phase the southerners conducted multiple raids but did not try to reclaim their taken lands. The third phase was a major uprising against the crusaders. This period saw the united effort against the crusaders. This study argues that the change from individual pockets of resistance to unified rebellion was triggered by the Fourth Lateran Council in Rome in 1215. The pope had been indecisive whether to dispossess the lords accused of harbouring heretics. This maintained the hope that the situation could be resolved by negotiations. The Council, however, decided to give the lands to the conquerors. This closed the doors from diplomacy and left fighting the only way to oppose the crusade.