The Bloodiest Crusade In History: 1209 Albigensian Crusade | Total War Battle

The Albigensian Crusade (1209–1229) was a Catholic Church-led campaign to eliminate the Cathars, a heretical Christian sect in southern France. The Cathars rejected Church authority and promoted a dualistic worldview. Pope Innocent III launched the crusade after the murder of a papal legate, leading to brutal fighting, including the massacre at Béziers. Northern French nobles, especially Simon de Montfort, led the fighting, gaining land and power. The crusade ended with the defeat of the Cathars and greater control of the region by the French crown. It also led to the Inquisition and strengthened papal authority. 00:00 Introduction 00:37 The Cathars 01:14 The Pope calls for a Crusade 02:16 The Siege of Beziers 03:19 The Siege of Carcassonne 04:36 The Crusaders storm through Southern France 05:40 The Resistance 06:11 The Siege of Castelnaudry 06:34 The Siege of Toulouse 06:57 King Peter II 07:40 The Crusaders retreat to Muret 08:10 The Crusaders prepare for battle 08:51 The Crusaders launch a surprise attack 09:57 Peter II is killed 10:17 The Aragonese Army retreats 11:02 Raymond gathers his strength 11:39 Raymond takes Toulouse 12:07 Montfort is killed 12:28 Aftermath