The Cathars:  Who led the Crusade?

Most short accounts of the Cathar Crusades, mention only Simon de Montfort, and many of them confuse him with his son, also called Simon, who played such an important role in English history. The truth is slightly more complex.

Arnaud Amaury, Abbot of Cîteaux.  This was the military leader of the crusaders during the first stages of the war.  It was he who was responsible for the massacre at Beziers and for the immortal words "Kill them all. God will know his own".  Some 20,000 men, women and children were killed in this "exercise of christian charity".  He also led the siege at Carcassonne.  For more about Arnaud Amaury, Abbot of Cîteaux, click here

Simon de Montfort (Sr), Earl of Leicester.  At the time of the Cathar Crusade, Simon had already build a reputation as a Crusader in the Holy Land.   He was a rare comodidy within the Catholic fold.   He was not only a fearsome warrier, but also a good tactitian and strategist.   Furthermore, he had distinguished himself in the Fourth Crusade by refusing to attack his fellow Christians in Byzantium.   Now he found himself among the army assembled under the Abbot of Cîteeau to attack the Cathars.   As Simon had distinguished himself once again in battle he was offered the leadership.  When he tried to decline Arnaud Amaury ordered him (on behalf of Pope Innocent III) to accept, which he did.  For more about Simon de Montfort click here

Amoury de Montfort.  Simon's eldest son, Amery, could not fill his father's shoes, and ceded formal rights to his territories to the King of France.  For more about Amoury de Montfort, click here

King of France. The latter stages of the tragedy were played out by Louis VIII King of France and when he died his wife Blanche de Castile, regent for their infant son Louis IX (later St-Louis). Ten years later Louis reached majrity and took over. For more about them, click here