Raymond VI

Raymond VI,

1156–1222, count of Toulouse (c.1194–1222). His tolerant attitude toward the AlbigensesAlbigenses
[Lat.,=people of Albi, one of their centers], religious sect of S France in the Middle Ages. Beliefs and Practices

Officially known as heretics, they were actually Cathari, Provençal adherents of a doctrine similar to the Manichaean dualistic
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 resulted in his repeated excommunication, although he temporarily made peace with the church in 1209. Attacked (1211) by Simon de MontfortMontfort, Simon de
, c.1160–1218, count of Montfort and earl of Leicester. A participant in the Fourth Crusade (1202–4), he did not join in the sack of Constantinople, but instead proceeded to Syria. He later led the crusade against the Albigenses.
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, he received the support of his brother-in-law Peter II of Aragón. In 1213 he and Peter were defeated at Muret, and Raymond went into exile in England. Although obliged to grant Toulouse and Montauban to Montfort and Provence to his own son, Raymond VI returned (1217) and fought with his son against Montfort and Montfort's son. By the time of his death, Raymond had recaptured almost all of his territory for his son.