History of the Crusades

the Crusades Episode 175, the Crusade against the Cathars, the Otty Brothers.

Hello again.

Last week we took a look at that most foul of centuries, the 14th century, and the horrible events

it would bring to France. This week we return to the narrative. If you cast your

minds way back to a fortnight ago you might remember that we met Pierre Oughty and his brother Giam.

The Oughty brothers were wealthy, respected lawyers aged in their 50s who decided to

leave Long dock with the mass exodus of Cathars.

While in exile in Lombardy the brothers joined the ranks of the perfect and then made the momentous decision to return to Long dock to preach

the Cathar faith.

Now as the year 1300 approaches, the Oti brothers are likely feeling a little anxious.

Not because they are aware of the horrors the 14th century holds for their part of the world,

but because of the future they have chosen. The brothers are currently in Lombardy.

They are safe and are surrounded by others of the Cathar Faith. They are able to practice their faith, if not openly,

than in some sort of safety, with discretion. However, the brothers have made the decision to leave Lombardy and return to the lion's den.

The situation for practicing Cathars in southern France in the year 1300 was bleak.

The Inquisition was in full swing and was operating without restriction across the region,

regularly using torture to extract confessions from the people it chose to

interrogate.

There were no longer any Cathar safe havens within Longdock.

Monsieur had fallen 56 years ago, probably around the time the Oti brothers had been born.

Keribous was the final Cathar stronghold to be conquered. It was defeated back in 1255. No

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