History of the Crusades

the Crusades Episode 113, the Crusade against the Cathars, Count Raymond the Sixth of Toulouse.

Hello again.

Last week we saw the religion of the Cathars expand across Longdock, despite efforts by the Catholic

Church and Count Riemond the 5th of Toulouse to suppress the heresy.

In the year 1194, the political landscape of southern France shifted.

In that year Raymond the 5th of Toulouse died, and his son Raymond the 6th became Count of Toulouse. Raymond the 6th became Count of Toulouse.

Raymond the 6th was 38 years old when he became count and his rule was markedly different to that of his father.

Where Raymond V had been willing to bend to the authority of the Pope,

Raymond the sixth was more liberal and tolerant in his acceptance of other religions.

Whereas Raymond the fifth, who had been married to the sister of the King of France,

felt allied to the King of France, Raymond the 6th didn't feel those ties as strongly.

In fact, Raymond the 6th was altogether quite a different man from his father.

He had been raised in the wealthy surrounds of the noble house of Toulouse, and until he became

count at the age of 38 he really didn't have to do anything

other than sit back enjoy life and watch on with amusement as his father ducked and weaved around the political minefield

that was France in the late 12th century.

Understandably, he developed a taste for luxury, for women and for high living.

Surprisingly though he didn't seem at all keen to engage in warfare

his sole military experience when he became count

was his engagement in a few minor military skirmishes.

At a time when your prowess on the battlefield was how you gained respect from your peers,

...