History of the Crusades
Welcome to History of the Crusades hompage! Below you will find every episode of History of the Crusades podcast. You can also find this series on itunes.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Welcome to History of the Crusades homepage, supporting the History of the Crusades podcast.
Episodes of History of the Crusades podcast - the Middle Eastern Crusades and the Crusade against the Cathars can be listened to below. Just click on the link and you'll be taken to the host website where you can listen to the episode. You can also find this series on itunes.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM 2017 THIS WEBSITE WILL NO LONGER BE UPDATED. For episodes on the Baltic Crusades and all other podcasts issued from 2017 onwards, please go to our new website Crusadespod
Sharyn Eastaugh
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Latin Christendom in 1090
This episode discusses the situation in western Europe just prior to the First Crusade. It's a bit short - I'll try to do better next time.
Extra reading:
- The letters of Abelard and Heloise
- Historia Calamutitatum by Peter Abelard
- Norman Centuries podcast by Lars Brownworth (available from itunes)
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The Middle East and the Byzantine Empire prior to the First Crusade
The title of this episode is pretty self-explanatory.
Extra reading:
- Jerusalem by Simon Sebag Montefiore
- The History of Christianity by Diarmaid McCulloch
- Islam A Short History by Karen Armstrong
- The Byzantium Trilogy by John Julius Norwich
Map 1 shows the expansion of the Islamic states. Click HERE for the bigger image
Map 2 shows the main religions of Europe and the Middle East at the time of the First Crusade. The purple section indicates Catholic Latin Christendom, the pink is Orthodox Christianity, the pale green is Sunni Islam and the brighter green Shia Islam. And yes - the map is in French. Sorry about that. Click HERE for the bigger image.
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The Speech that launched the Crusades
Discusses Pope Urban II and his speech at Clermont which started the crusading movement.
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The First Crusade I
Planning, preparations, pogroms and principal players.
Extra reading:
- The First Crusade by Steven Runciman
- The First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge
- The Alexiad by Anna Comnena
- Crusader: By Horse to Jerusalem by Tim Severin
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The First Crusade II
Travel with the armies of the First Crusade from Latin Christendom to Constantinople.
This map shows the routes of the main armies across Europe. It's in French, but you should be able to figure it out. To see it in its original, larger format - click HERE
Extra listening:
- Episode 10 of Robin Pierson's historical podcast "The History of Byzantium" entitled "Constantinople"
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The First Crusade IV
The battle near Dorylaeum
If you would like to see a bigger version of this map (which shows the location of the Battle near Dorylaeum and nearby principalities in 1097) please click HERE
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The First Crusade V
Onward to Antioch! Follow the army on their long, long journey to Antioch.
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The First Crusade VI
The journey of Tancred of Hauteville and Baldwin of Boulogne.
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The First Crusade VII
The Siege of Antioch.
Here is a drawing of Antioch. Note the Bridge Gate in the foreground and the walls running up the side of the mountains behind the city.
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The First Crusade VII
The Siege of Antioch continues....
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The First Crusade IX
The Siege of Antioch continues...and concludes.
Extra reading:
- Holy Bones Holy Dust: How relics shaped the history of Medieval Europe by Charles Freeman
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The First Crusade X
Delay, discord, disease and indecision.
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The First Crusade XI
The siege of Marrat an-Numan
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The First Crusade XII
Onwards to Jerusalem
Here is map showing the route the Crusade took from Antioch to Jerusalem:
Click HERE to see a bigger version of this map!
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The First Crusade XIII
The Siege of Jerusalem
Above you can see a picture of the clerics leading the crusading army in their barefoot march around the walls of Jerusalem. Note the catapult machine in the foreground. To see a bigger version, click HERE.
To the right is a map of Jerusalem at the time of the siege. For a larger version, click HERE. If you would like to see a map of the actual siege, I suggest you look at the excellent map in Christopher Tyerman's book God's War page 154.
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I had intended to provide a link to an excellent series of photos depicting a recreation of the siege of Jerusalem by the Tin Soldiers of Antwerp in 2008. They did a great job, building realistic siege towers and catapult machines. But unfortunately, the images from the site have now been deleted. In case they miraculously reappear or in case someone knows one of the Tin Soldiers and can get them to repost the photos, the link is HERE
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After the Conquest 1100-1101
The aftermath of the First Crusade and the tumultuous years 1100 and 1101.
Here's something a little different! A playlist of songs which were around at the time of the Crusades, or which were composed with the Crusades in mind, or which just remind me of the Crusades. If you're interested, I imagine you can download most of them from itunes.
SONGS OF THE CRUSADES
1. City of Jerusalem
Artist: Jesper Kyd
Album: Assassin's Creed Soundtrack
2. Burning the Past
Artist: Harry Gregson-Williams
Album: Kingdom of Heaven Soundtrack
3. The Feeling Begins
Artist: Peter Gabriel
Album: Passion
4. Taksim
Artist: Jordi Savall
Album: Istanbul
5. Call to Prayer (Adhan)
Artist: Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens)
Album: Footsteps in the Light
6. Kyrie 11
Artist: Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos
Album: The Mystery of Santo Domingo de Silos
7. Hymne des Cherubins
Artist: The Byzantine Choir of Greece
Album: The Glory of Byzantium
8. Rorate Caeli Desuper
Artist: The Monks and Choirboys of Downside Abbey
Album: Music from the Time of the Crusades
9. With this Love
Artist: Peter Gabriel
Album: Passion
10. O Rubor Sanguinis
Artist: Sequentia
Album: 900 years Hildegard von Bingen
11. La tierche estampie real
Artist: The Early Music Consort of London
Album: Music of the Crusades
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The Crusader States : The Principality of Antioch
Self-explanatory, really. A look at the first Crusader State we will be examining - the Principality of Antioch.
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The Crusader States : The County of Edessa and the County of Tripoli
A look at two more Crusader States.
Here is a photo of Mount Pilgrim as it is today. It's now called Qala'at Sanjil and is stiuated in Tripoli, Lebanon.
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The Crusader States : The Kingdom of Jerusalem
A look at the final Crusader State.
Here is a page from Queen Melisende's prayer book, currently part of the British Library's collection.
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The Knights Templar Part I
The establishment of the Knights Templar.
Extra reading
- The Templars by Piers Paul Read
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The Knights Templar II
The rise and fall of the Knights Templar
Extra reading
- The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln
- The Messianic Legacy by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln
- The Last Templar by Alain Demurger
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The Assassins
A short study of the Nizari Isma'ili sect.
Extra reading
- The Secret Order of Assassins: The Struggle of the Nizari Isma'ilis against the Islamic World by Marshall G.S. Hodgson
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Eleanor of Aquitaine Part I
Mostly about the year 1137
Extra reading
- Eleanor of Aquitaine by the Wrath of God, Queen of England by Alison Weir
- Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings by Amy Kelly
- The Letters of Abelard and Heloise available free online HERE - thanks to listener Kevin for providing the link to the free online text. The letters of Abelard and Heloise provide a fascinating insight into life in Paris in the middle ages and the trials of the monk and scholar Peter Abelard.
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Eleanor of Aquitaine Part II
In which Eleanor goes on Crusade.
Here is a picture of the vase which Eleanor gave to King Louis on their marriage and which was gifted to the church at St Denis. It is currently part of the collection at the Louvre in Paris.
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Eleanor of Aquitaine Part III
In which Queen Eleanor of France becomes Queen Eleanor of England
The stained glass window pictured here is the one commissioned by Eleanor and Henry. It is in the cathedral at Poitiers in France.
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Eleanor of Aquitaine Part IV
Featuring an ageing Queen Eleanor, Thomas Becket and some Kings.
Below is a photo of Eleanor's effigy at Fontevrault Abbey. She is the one in the middle, reading a book.
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The Second Crusade I
Zangi attacks!
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The Second Crusade II
The fall of Edessa.
* Correction: I mispronounced Harry Dimopoulos' email address in this episode. For those descendents of the Emperor Alexius who are keen to get in touch with Harry his email address is [email protected]
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The Second Crusade III
"Crosses, give us crosses!"
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The Second Crusade IV
Diversions and preparations
Extra reading for the Second Crusade:
- A History of the Crusades Volume II : The Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Frankish East 1100-1187 by Steven Runciman
- The Second Crusade by Jonathan Phillips
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Click HERE to see a bigger version of this map!
The best map I found of the Second Crusade appears on page 302 of Christopher Tyerman's book God's War. Unfortunately I can't reproduce it here for copyright reasons but this map will give you some idea of the route taken by the Second Crusade if you aren't able to find a copy of God's War.
This is the route taken by the Second Crusade
This tiny episode contains the three minutes which were left off episode 33 when the episode appeared on the hosting website. Why were they left off? I have no idea. We may never know. It may remain a mystery. In case you would like to hear the end of episode 33 - here it is.
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The Second Crusade VI
Across Anatolia
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The Second Crusade VII
Onward to Antioch
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The Second Crusade VIII
Damascus
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Changing Fortunes
After the Second Crusade comes a period of changing fortunes for the Latin Christians and Muslims.
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Frankish Revival
The Franks experience a period of revival.
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Egypt Part I
This week, the arena of conflict moves to Egypt.
Here is a map of Egypt which might be helpful. If you would like to see a bigger version, click HERE.
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Egypt Part II
The Latin Christians and the Syrian Muslims clash once again in Egypt.
A picture of the Citadel of Cairo.
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Egypt Part III
The battle for Egypt concludes
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Krak des Chevaliers
An episode about the famous Crusader castle - Krak des Chevaliers.
Here is a trailer for the episode of the Battle Castle television series, devoted to Crac des Chevaliers. It's worth watching for the CGI reconstruction of the castle.
Above is a view of the chapel inside the castle.
A view of the inner fortress, featuring the talus (sloping wall) and round towers.
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The Fall of Giants
The year 1174 was a major one with the unexpected deaths of two main players.
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The Leper King
The reign of King Baldwin IV commences.
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The Rise of Saladin
We have seen Saladin rise to the dizzy heights of the ruler of Egypt. See him rise even further in this episode.
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The Decline of Byzantium
The Byzantine Empire spirals into a decline after the death of Emperor Manuel.
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Tensions rise...and a King dies...
Castle Kerak features heavily in this episode. This is Castle Kerak today, in the country of Jordan. It's not as well preserved as Krak des Chevaliers but is still an impressive castle. If you want to see a bigger version click HERE.
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The very short reign of King Baldwin V
In this milestone FIFTIETH episode, we examine the very short reign of King Baldwin V and its dramatic aftermath.
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The Horns of Hattin
The epic battle between Saladin and the Latin Christians at Hattin takes place in this episode.
Below is a panoramic view of the site of the battle. To see a larger version, click.HERE
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The Fall of Jerusalem
The heading is self-explanatory really. This week we see Jerusalem fall to Saladin.
This is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Shortly after Saladin's entrance into the city on 2nd October 1187, the Christian cross on the top of the Dome was symbolically removed and the City claimed for Islam.
This is a statue of Richard the Lionheart, in London.
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The statues of Richard the Lionheart and Saladin meet in Jerusalem.
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The statue of Saladin in Damascus.
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The Third Crusade II
The French and English armies leave on Crusade. First stop? Sicily!
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The Third Crusade III
This week we follow the Crusade of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and his German army.
Here is a painting of what Emperor Frederick Barbarossa might have looked like in his prime. At the time of the Third Crusade he was 67 years old, so imagine him like this, only with grey hair.
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The Third Crusade IV
The Siege of Acre Part 1
This photo of the Crusader era part of the citadel at Acre was taken last week by Mr Bob Frost.
Thanks to Bob for giving me permission to use his photo!
These are the remains of the once formidable sea walls surrounding the city of Acre.
Thanks to Bob Frost for permission to use his photo.
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The Third Crusade VI
The siege of Acre Part 3
Here is a rendition of the new Queen of England, Berengaria of Navarre, who accompanied her husband, King Richard I to Acre.
Interestingly, she never set foot in England while she was Queen, and is the only English Queen to never have stepped on English soil during her reign.
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The Third Crusade VII
After quite a lengthy build-up, the two Kings finally arrive in Acre.
The water fairy Melusine makes an appearance in this episode. Here she is being spied upon by her mortal husband, the Count of Poitou.
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The Third Crusade VIII
Victory at Acre (Sorry about the spoiler)!
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The Third Crusade IX
Aftermath of the siege at Acre
This is a nice rendition of what Richard the Lionheart might have looked like.
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The Third Crusade X
The members of the Third Crusade make their way down the coast to Jaffa
An alleyway in the old city of Jaffa
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The Third Crusade XI - Stalemate
King Richard is in Jaffa, but just can't make up his mind where to go next - Jerusalem or Ascalon? And...a very bizarre peace treaty is negotiated between the warring parties.
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The Third Crusade XII
Led by King Richard I, the members of the Third Crusade get within 12 miles of their ultimate goal, Jerusalem.
Here is King Guy of Jerusalem. Or at least, its how a French painter in the 1800s (Francois-Edouard Picot in 1843 to be exact) thought he may have looked.
If you would like to visit the original, it's hanging in the Salle des Croisades at Versailles in France.
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The Fate of Kings
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The Third Crusade XIV
The Third Crusade concludes with the signing of the Treaty of Jaffa
Saladin and Richard the Lionheart never met in person, despite being the central players in the Third Crusade.
But - you will be pleased to know that their statues did meet...and here they are - greeting each other in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
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Christianity in the Crusader States
In this episode we take a closer look at the local Christian religions in the Middle East at the time of the Crusades.
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These two books are highly recommended if you would like to discover more about this subject.
"From the Holy Mountain" by William Dalrymple is a travel book. The author follows in the footsteps of John Moschos who travelled through the Byzantine world in 587AD.
"The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East" by Robert Fisk details the conflicts in the Middle East since WWI. There is a very comprehensive chapter on the massacre of the Armenians in 1915 which I briefly discuss in the episode.
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Life in the Crusader States
In this episode, we look at what life was like for a Latin-Christian in the Crusader States.
Crusaders and Muslims in the Holy Land.
The tomb of Emperor Henry VI in the Cathedral of Palermo, Sicily.
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The Fourth Crusade I
Here are my core texts for the episodes on the Fourth Crusade.
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The Fourth Crusade II
Representatives from the Fourth Crusade travel to Venice
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The Fourth Crusade III
The siege of Zara
Here is the church of St Donatus in Zara (now called Zadar in Croatia). Built in the 9th century, this church was spared by the Crusaders when they pillaged the town.
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The Fourth Crusade IV
A change of plans.
Here he is. The man himself. The instigator of the Fourth Crusade, Pope Innocent III.
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The Fourth Crusade V
To Constantinople
This is the chain that stretched across the Golden Horn - currently on display at the Istanbul Military Museum. While this particular chain dates from 1453, it is likely that the chain encountered by the members of the Fourth Crusade in 1203 was similar.
Here is a map of Constantinople at the time of the Fourth Crusade.
Click HERE to go to the Byzantium 1200 website, where you can explore a digital recreation of Constantinople in the year 1200. Make sure you take a look at the Blachernae Palace and the mighty Theodocian walls.
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The Fourth Crusade VII
Victory?
Here's everyone's favourite party-boy, and friend to the Crusaders and Venetians alike - Emperor Alexius IV
It's not a terribly flattering portrait of him.
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The Fourth Crusade VIII
The second siege of Constantinople
Here is a painting depicting the second siege of Constantinople.
Entitled "The taking of Constantinople 1204" it's by Italian artist Palma il Giovane (1544-1620)
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The Fourth Crusade IX
The sack of Constantinople
These magnificant horses were removed during the sack of Constantinople and taken to Venice, where they adorned St Mark's Basilica. Now they are housed inside the Basilica to protect them from pollution.
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Meanwhile, back in the Holy Land...
We take a look at what has been happening in the Holy Land while we've been away on the Fourth Crusade.
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The Children's Crusade
We take a look at the Children's Crusade/s of 1212.
Gustave Dore's portrayal of the Children's Crusade.
Here is a marble portrait of Pope Innocent III currently displayed in the House of Representatives chamber in the USA.
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The Fifth Crusade II
The members of the Fifth Crusade set sail from Europe and eventually end up at the city of Damietta in Egypt
This map shows the location of Damietta - near the coast, at the entrance of one of the main branches of the River Nile.
This is artist CC van Wieringen's interpretation of the capture of the Tower of Chains during the Fifth Crusade.
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The Fifth Crusade III
In the swamp
Here is Cardinal Pelagius - cardinal legate, and self-proclaimed leader of the Fifth Crusade.
And this is King John of Acre, the original leader of the Fifth Crusade.
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The Fifth Crusade IV
Conclusion
This is the Saladin Citadel in the ultimate destination of the Fifth Crusade - Cairo. Built in the 12th century, the citadel would have been a landmark in Cairo at the time of the Fifth Crusade.
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Emperor Frederick II
This week we take a closer look at Emperor Frederick II
Here's a fine looking picture of Emperor Frederick II and the Egyptian ruler, Al-Kamil.
Frederick is on the left.
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Emperor Frederick's Crusade I
We accompany Emperor Frederick II on his crusade.
Here is the Kingdom of Acre (the section coloured yellow) as it was following Emperor Frederick's Crusade.
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Emperor Frederick's Crusade II
Emperor Frederick's Crusade concludes.
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The Barons' Crusade
Richard Earl of Cornwall led the English contingent of the Barons' Crusade. Strangely, he eventually went on to become the King of Germany. Here is a coin minted in his honour.
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Disaster Strikes
Bad times come to the Kingdom of Acre in the form of the invading Khwarismian army.
Here is a nice depiction of the Khwarismian cavalry, via the Total War Centre (www.twcentre.net)
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King Louis' Crusade I
Preparations and recruitment for the Crusade of King Louis IX.
The gorgeous Sainte Chapelle in Paris - commissioned by King Louis before he embarked on his crusade.
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King Louis' Crusade II
The Crusade sails to Damietta.
Here is a nice statue of King Louis IX which you can gaze upon should you happen to be in Paris.
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King Louis' Crusade III
To Mansourah
King Louis sails in a ship, protected by some Knights Templar.
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King Louis' Crusade IV
The battle of Mansourah
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King Louis' Crusade V
Defeat
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King Louis' Crusade VI
Aftermath
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The Warring Merchants
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The Mongol Invasion
The Mongols expand out of Persia into Syria.
Khan Hulegu is pictured here at the head of his all-conquering Mongol army.
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Egyptian Resistance
This episode ends with the battle of Ain Jalut. Here is a map to help you know where it takes place.
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Baibars
This week sees the rise to power of the Mamluk Sultan Baibars
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Baibars attacks!
This is an aerial view of Caesarea today. As you can see, there is not much remaining of its medieval structures. Who is to blame for this? Sultan Baibars, that's who.
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The Fall of Antioch
This week we wave goodbye to the first of the three remaining Crusader States - the Principality of Antioch.
Here's my tribute to the fallen Principality.
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The Last Crusades
The French, English and Spanish monarchs embark on separate crusades to the Holy Land.
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Troubled Times
This week sees the two remaining Crusader States stagger from disaster, to disaster.
One of the disastrous events to occur in this episode is the fall of Krak des Chevalier. The castle, which was thought to be impregnable, fell to Baibars in April 1271. Baibars turned the castle from a Christian stronghold, into a Muslim one.
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Party Like There's No Tomorrow
This week sees some strange events taking place in the Middle East, including the biggest party seen in the Crusader States for a century.
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The Fall of Acre
In the final episode of this podcast series, we see the last of the Crusader States fall, heralding the end of the Latin Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Here is a recent photo of modern day Acre, with the western part of the old city in the background.
Photo courtesy of listener John D. Hays
Here's my tribute to the Kingdom of Jerusalem (later the Kingdom of Acre) featuring a painting by Emile Signol depicting the taking of Jerusalem by the Crusaders; a 13th century coin from Acre and my trusty volume of Steven Runciman's second volume on the History of the Crusades adorned with my Jerusalem Cross necklace.
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...and that's a wrap, people!
Thank you for listening - we hope you enjoyed this podcast series.
regards
Sharyn (Podcaster)
Lana (Technical Support)
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SPECIAL EPISODE - KING PETER OF CYPRUS & THE LAST CRUSADE
Hello again! I'm keen to get back to podcasting - but first I need to cover my expenses to date. So - I've recorded an hour long episode which I'm selling for $5 US. If you've been tossing and turning at night, unable to sleep because you are wondering what happened to King Henry II and the Mamluk Sultan Khalil after the fall of Acre, then this episode is for you. Importantly, the episode also covers the last ever crusade in which the goal was the recovery of Jerusalem - the crusade by King Peter of Cyprus in 1365. And I've thrown in the entire history of the island of Cyprus for good measure (concentrating of course on the Latin Kingdom of Cyprus).
Should I make enough from the sale of this episode, I will start working on a series of episodes on the crusade against the Cathars in southern France in the 13th century.
If you would like to help get me back to podcasting, you can purchase the episode, then listen to it or download it from here:
historyofthecrusades.bandcamp.com
THANK YOU!
Sharyn Eastaugh
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
A short introduction
We start our new series on the Crusade against the Cathars (AKA the Albigensian Crusade) with a short introduction.
The four texts shown in the photo are the core books I'll be using for this crusade. The other books shown are the supplementary texts.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Languedoc in 1208
We take a look at Southern France just prior to the crusade against the Cathars
This map shows the very confusing mix of allegiances in the differing regions of Languedoc in 1208. If you want to see a bigger version, click HERE
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The origins of the Cathars
This week, we look at the beliefs of the Cathars, and the origins of the heresy.
Here is a page from the Cathar text of the Gospel of St John, an example of the type of book that a new Perfect would be presented with after the ritual of Consolamentum.
If you wish to see the original, you can find it at the Palais des Arts in Lyon, France.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The heresy takes root
This week we examine the rule of Count Raymond V of Toulouse and his not exactly successful attempts to quash the rise of the Cathar faith.
This is the interior of the Church of St Sernin in Toulouse, which the unfortunate heretic Peter Maurand was force to parade around naked and barefoot as part of his penance.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Count Raymond VI of Toulouse
In this episode, we meet Count Raymond VI of Toulouse and his unhappy wives.
This is the official seal of Count Raymond VI of Toulouse.
In the same way that the future St Francis made an appearance in the Fifth Crusade, this week features a cameo appearance by the future St Dominic, who tries to lend a hand to rid Languedoc of Cathars.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Murder
This week, we finally return to the point we reached back in episode 110 - the murder of the papal legate Peter of Castelnau
Here is a photo of a plaque at St Gilles, dedicated to Peter of Castelnau
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
"Forward then soldiers of Christ!"
The Church at St Gilles, the scene of a humiliating event undertaken by Count Raymond VI of Toulouse, on 18th June 1209.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Gathering Force
The Crusade gets underway, with the first military engagement occurring away from the main army, to the west.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The sack of Beziers
This is a photo of the bridge over the River Orb, with the fortified town of Beziers on the escarpment above the bridge.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
To Carcassonne
The victorious crusaders make their way to the next target on their hit list, the city of Carcassonne.
Here is a short video, showing a recreation of medieval Carcassonne. It doesn't show the three suburbs outside the walls, but you will get an idea of the size of the city and its fortifications. Note the citadel, home to the Viscount of Carcassonne, which appears at the end of the video.
Here is a portrait of King Peter II of Aragon (painted by Manuel Aguirre Monsalbe in the 19th century). What does the King of Aragon have to do with the siege of Carcassonne? You'll have to listen to the episode, to find out.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The fall of Carcassonne
This week, sees the fall of Carcassonne to the crusaders. To view a short video featuring the main features of the current city Carcassonne, including its citadel, click on the link below.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Viscount Simon de Montfort
This week we see Simon de Montfort take up his new role as Viscount of Beziers and Carcassonne.
If you would like to hear some music from the time and place of the Crusade against the Cathars, click HERE to go to the album The Forgotten Kingdom by Jordi Savall on Spotify, containing songs from the Cathar era and some spoken items, including the Cathar prayer of Consolamentum. Enjoy!
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Reversals of fortune
We hear some of the main characters in the crusade, undergo changes of fortune.
These are the castles of Cabaret. At the time of the crusade against the Cathars, three castles comprised the stronghold of Cabaret. A fourth castle was built after the crusade. Unfortunately, today they are all ruins. Very picturesque ruins.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Atrocities
As the year 1209 clicks over into 1210, both sides engage in sickening conduct in relation to the prisoners they have taken.
The siege of Minerve
Simon's key weapon in his attack on Minerve was a trebuchet. Here are some trebuchets in action. They are recreations of medieval trebuchets which were photographed in the former Viscounty of Carcassonne in Southern France.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
To Termes
Simon de Montfort travels to Termes, to lay siege to its castle.
The castle at Termes was demolished in the 17th century. However, the ruins give you an idea of the challenges Simon faced in attempting to take the fortress.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The siege of Termes
Here is the Narbonne Cathedral. Building on the current structure began in 1272 but it was never actually completed. The steeple from the church originally on the site was preserved and incorporated into the current structure.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The surrender of Cabaret and the siege of Lavaur
Giralda, the Lady of Lavaur, is executed in a gruesome manner by the crusaders when she fails to defend her city. This monument stands in her honour, at Lavaur today.
For this photo, information and pictures about the siege of Lavaur, visit:
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
To Toulouse
Simon de Monfort sets his sights on Count Raymond's capital city - the city of Toulouse
The siege of Toulouse
It's the year 1211 - Simon de Montfort and his crusaders attempt to take the city of Toulouse.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The siege of Castelnaudry
Here is the very impressive castle of Foix - home, of course, to the Count of Foix. The castle is located in the far south of Southern France, near the border with the Kingdom of Aragon.
Here is a window seat located inside the castle of Foix. Note the awesome width of the castle walls.
This photo and the one above via http://www.catharcastles.info/
Used with permission
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The battle of Saint-Martin-la-Lande
Simon de Monfort's crusaders and the Southern French rebels clash in a rare pitched battle.
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To the end of the year 1211
Simon de Montfort learns that you can win battles, yet move no closer to winning the war.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The winter campaign of 1212
Looking more fortress than place of worship, this is the very impressive Cathedral of Sainte Cecile in the town of Albi.
A closer look at the formidable Cathedral in Albi.
Both photos via http://www.catharcastles.info/
used with permission
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The siege of Hautpol and the siege of St-Antonin
Simon de Montfort decides on a new strategy. Adopting a 'no more Mr Nice Guy' approach, he takes his crusade to the northern reaches of the County of Toulouse and the Viscounty of Albi.
Here is a photo of an impressively-made window in the ruins of the castle at Hautpol.
The town of Hautpol today - perched high in the Black Mountains.
The symbol of the Count of Toulouse - proudly displayed in the medieval ruins of Hautpol.
Photos
via http://www.catharcastles.info/
Used with permission
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The siege of Moissac
Simon de Montfort besieges the town of Moissac in 1212.
This is part of the Abbey of St Peter inside Moissac
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
King Peter II of Aragon Part 1
We take a closer look at King Peter II of Aragon, his kingdom, and medieval Spain in general.
This is a portrait of King Peter II, painted by Manuel Aguirre Monsalbe in the 1800s. He may have looked nothing like this, but it's a nice painting.
This is the palace of Aljaferia in Zaragoza - King Peter's official residence.
Inside the palace.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
King Peter II of Aragon Part 2
King Peter finds himself playing a pivotal role in the famous battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.
This modern monument commemorates the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. Depicted are the Spanish kings and the senior clerics, with a shepherd pointing to the secret passage through the mountains.
Here is the Caliph's battle standard, taken during the battle. It is now on display at the Monastery de las Huelgas in Spain.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Kingdom Strikes Back
King Peter II of Aragon strikes a major blow against Simon de Montfort and the crusade against the Cathars.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The decision of Pope Innocent III
Pope Innocent III supported King Peter's position in January 1213. The Papal Legates have now petitioned him to reverse his decision. What will Pope Innocent do?
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We need to talk about King John
Following Pope Innocent's shock decision in May 1213, King Peter looks to other European monarchs for possible assistance. King John of England is eager to lend a hand.
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Towards Muret
Events build in the first half of the year 1213.
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The Battle of Muret Part I
We start to look at the epic battle between the crusaders and the rebel forces at Muret in September 1213.
Below is a stamp issued to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Muret. Image via catharcastles.com - used with permission.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Battle of Muret Part II
Team Montfort and Team Aragon finally meet on the battlefield.
Below is a map of the battlefield taken from a 1924 text entitled The Art of War in the Middle Ages. Photo via catharcastles.info, used with permission.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Muret - Analysis
Unsurprisingly, this episode contains an analysis of the Battle of Muret.
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Muret - aftermath
Unsurprisingly, this episode deals with the aftermath of the Battle of Muret.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
To the end of 1213
Is the crusade against the Cathars still a thing, following the battle of Muret? You bet it is! We take the narrative to the end of the year 1213.
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Rebel resistance rises
As 1213 clicks over into 1214, Simon de Montfort's problems seem to be mounting. Meanwhile, resistance rises across southern France and the rebels enjoy a victory in the north.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Narbonne 1214
Quite a lot happens in this episode - Simon de Montfort dashes from one end of Languedoc to the other trying to put down rebellions, Simon nearly gets captured outside Narbonne and the crusade technically (but only technically) comes to an end.
Here is the Archbishop's Palace in Narbonne, where the Counts of Foix and Comminge were reconciled to the Church in 1214.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The siege of Casseneuil
It's 1214, and Simon de Montfort besieges a town in the Agen which is very tricky to pronounce.
This is a photo (via Wikipedia) of the current state of the castle walls at Casseneuil.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Exit King John
As we bring the narrative to the end of 1214, King John of England's French campaign ends in spectacular failure, leaving Simon de Montfort free to conquer northern Languedoc.
King Phillip of France made some impressive conquests during his reign - most of them against King John of England. Here is a map of King Phillip's territory at the beginning and end of his reign. The blue sections are ruled directly by the French crown, the green indirectly. The red areas are territory under the control of King John.
Map via wikipedia
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The Council of Montpellier 1215
The Council of Montpellier convened by papal legate Peter Benevento backfires spectacularly, and Simon de Montfort dodges an assassination attempt.
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Prince Louis's Crusade
In a surprise move, the Kingdom of France joins the Crusade against the Cathars.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Eccumenical Council
It's finally here! The long awaited Eccumenical Council (later known as the Fourth Lateran Council) convenes in Rome, in November 1215. One of the many items up for discussion at the Council is the Crusade against the Cathars.
Here is what the Lateran Palace in Rome (where the Eccumenical Council was held) looked like in medieval times.
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Early 1216
The new Count of Toulouse, Simon de Montfort, embarks on a victorious tour of northern France, while the Raymonds come up with a plan to win back their County.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Toulouse 1216
Young Raymond's unexpected victory at Beaucaire ignites rebel resistance, and Simon de Montfort is forced to race back to Toulouse to quell the rebellion.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Rebel Invasion
Simon de Montfort travels to the Rhone Valley in an attempt to quell young Raymond's rebellion. Meanwhile, Raymond VI leads a small rebel army down the Pyrenees into the city of Toulouse.
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The siege of Toulouse 1217
In this episode, we track the second siege of Toulouse to the end of the year 1217.
Here is a map of Toulouse. Although it was drawn 400 years after the siege, it shows the location of the Narbonnaise Castle (built over the Narbonnaise gate in the city walls - indicated by the red dot) and the suburb of St Cyprien over the river Garonne. Map via catharcastles.info - used with permission.
Here is a scene from a painting on display in the city hall of Toulouse, depicting the citizens of Toulouse constructing defences during the siege.
Painted by Jean-Paul Laurens 1895, photo via catharcastles.info used with permission
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Lo lop es mort!
It's June 1218 and an event occurs during the siege of Toulouse which will change the course of the crusade.
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Deliverance
As the Crusade against the Cathars withers and wanes, young Raymond delivers much of Languedoc from northern French rule.
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The crusade of King Louis VIII
Just when you thought it was all over, we're off on crusade again! The French crown gathers an army and marches south.
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The end of the Crusade
This is it! After a couple of decades of warfare, the Crusade against the Cathars comes to an end. There are, however, still Cathars living in Languedoc...
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The beginning of the Inquisition
The Catholic Church introduces a novel means of ridding Southern France of heretics - the inquisition.
The first Inquisitors were friars from the Dominican order. The future St Dominic established his order in Toulouse - one of the houses he used is pictured in this photo.
THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Inquisition : the early years
We track the rocky ride of the Inquisition through its early years in Languedoc.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Inquisition : resistance rises
I guess nobody will be surprised to hear that the Inquisition, while expanding across southern France, is attracting quite a bit of resistance.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The last stand
It's the year 1242, and Count Raymond VII of Toulouse makes one last attempt to eject the northern French out of Languedoc.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Montsegur 1244
The Cathar stronghold of Montsegur comes under attack.
Here is the spectacular Montsegur, perched on top of its own mountain.
Photo via catharcastles.info used with permission
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The end of the 13th century
The Cathar religion suffers a major decline following the fall of Montsegur. However, towards the end of the century, two brothers make the decision to attempt to save their faith from extinction...
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14th century France
Ugh. France in the 1300s is a truly, truly horrible place to be. How horrible? Listen in to find out.
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The Authie Brothers
We follow two of the Cathar Perfect - Pierre and Guillaume Authie - as they travel back to Languedoc in the year 1300 to fan the flame of their dying religion.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Bernard Delicieux
We see the Authie brothers dodge an attempt to betray them to the Inquisition, and meet the outspoken Franciscan Friar Bernard Delicieux who is set to become a major thorn in the side of the Inquisitors.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
Have we not horns?
Friar Bernard Delicieux continues his one-man crusade against the Inquisition in southern France.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The storming of The Wall
Friar Bernard Delicieux achieves his goal when the hated prison of the Inquisition, The Wall, is stormed. But his campaign against the Dominicans is stymied by a massive show-down between King Philip IV of France and Pope Boniface VIII...
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Royal Tour
In a surprise move, King Philip IV of France and Queen Joan decide to tour Languedoc. Unfortunately, the tour ends up being a disaster for all involved.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Majorcan Plot
Friar Bernard Delicieux comes up with a truly bizarre plan to rid Languedoc of both the Inquisition and the Kingdom of France.
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Betrayal
While Friar Bernard Delicieux manages to duck and weave his way out of trouble, the Cathars of the County of Foix are not so lucky.
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Montaillou
We take time out of the narrative to look at the surprising activities taking place in the village of Montaillou in the County of Foix.
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The net closes
Things start to get real for the Cathars in the County of Foix as the focus of the Inquisition turns to their part of the world.
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The dark years: 1309 & 1310
A devastating blow is dealt to the Cathars in the Authie network.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The trial of Bernard Delicieux
A lengthy episode about the lengthy trial of Friar Bernard Delicieux.
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The last Cathar Perfect
We take a look at the life and times of the last Cathar Perfect, Guillaume Belibaste.
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THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The last Cathars
The Bishop of Pamiers embarks on a mission to hunt down the remaining Cathars in the County of Foix.
THE CRUSADE AGAINST THE CATHARS
The Cathar legacy
We look at the legacy left by the Cathar heretics.
The theme music for the History of the Crusades, is provided with kind permisson by Cary Lewincamp http://cary.com.au/
Any donations gratefully received.
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