History of the Crusades

the Crusades Episode 123 the Crusade against the Cathars reversals of Fortune.

Hello again.

Last week we saw Simon de Monfour do his best to subdue his two new Vai counties

prior to the departure of the Crusader Army.

He was then left with only a handful of knights with which to maintain his rule.

As the winter of 1209 approaches, we find more and more of Simon de Monfort's territory

slipping through his fingers, as previously conquered castles, strongholds and fortified towns changed

sides following the departure of the Crusader Army. But we will leave Simon de Monfort for the moment and

return to his troubles later in this episode. For now let's see what's happening with our old friend, Count Raymond the 6th of Toulouse.

Last week we saw Count Raymond return to his citadel in Toulouse,

no doubt congratulating himself on having saved his land and people from harm

by his surprise move to join the crusade.

But his self-congratulatory mood is about to be shattered by the arrival interlose of the papal legates Arnold

armory and Milo who will be asking the by now very familiar question that

question being why are there still heretics in Toulouse?

Interestingly, the Papal Legates don't pose this question to count remand, but to the

councillors of Toulouse. Now Toulouse is a very interesting city. It's home to around 20,000 people at this point in time,

and despite being the seat of power of the Count of Toulouse, the city itself is not actually under the control of the Count.

Why? Because over the centuries the nobleman and chief artisans of the city

decided they wanted some say in how their city was run.

So the citizens of Toulouse elected some of their fellow city dwellers to make decisions on their behalf.

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