![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Esgl%25C3%25A9sia_de_la_Magdalena_%2528Besiers%2529_-_Vista_general_-_2.jpg/640px-Esgl%25C3%25A9sia_de_la_Magdalena_%2528Besiers%2529_-_Vista_general_-_2.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Massacre at Béziers
1209 killing of Cathars during the Albigensian Crusade / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
43.3476°N 3.2190°E / 43.3476; 3.2190
Quick Facts Location, Date ...
Massacre at Béziers | |
---|---|
Part of the Albigensian Crusade | |
![]() The church of Saint Mary Magdalene where 7,000 people were massacred according to Peter of Vaux-de-Cernay | |
Location | Béziers, County of Toulouse (now in Hérault, Occitanie, France) |
Date | 22 July 1209 (1209-07-22) |
Target | People of Béziers, especially Cathars |
Attack type | Mass murder |
Deaths | 20,000 |
Perpetrators | Crusaders |
Motive | Anti-Catharism |
Close
The Massacre at Béziers occurred on 22 July 1209 during the sack of Béziers by crusaders. It was the first major military action of the Albigensian Crusade.[dubious – discuss]