RAYMOND VI VS SIMON OF MONTFORT - YVES BUFFETAUT -

The crusade against the Albigensians began with the destruction of Béziers in 1209. Simon de Montfort asserted himself as a leader among the Crusaders. He will fight relentlessly against the Cathars. He will never give up, even when the numbers are lacking. He is a fine tactician and makes the best use of war machines. Little by little, he nibbles the main Cathar strongholds. Carcassonne and Castres fell in 1209. Then it was the turn of Minerve and Termes in 1210. Finally Cabaret and Lavaur in 1211. On the other hand, he failed in front of Toulouse, held by his count Raymond VI. The latter leads a very ambiguous policy, supporting in turn the Cathars and the Crusaders, in order to save his county at all costs.