By MarcSaade94@gmail.com
For a few centuries, the Pyrenees were part of the Sacred Roman Empire.
In the 13th century, the Cathars (meaning “pure” in Greek) have set up a Christian religion outside Catholicism, regarded as heretical by the ruling Church.
The new religious group were based around modern day Langue d’Oc (Foix, AudeValley, Corbieres). They formed an anti-sacerdotal party in opposition to the Catholic Church. They were opposed to the perceived moral, spiritual and political corruption of the Church, who tried to contain and stop their popularity at first, then continued the persecution of Cathars to their suppression and eventual extinction.
For a few centuries, the Pyrenees were part of the Sacred Roman Empire.
In the 13th century, the Cathars (meaning “pure” in Greek) have set up a Christian religion outside Catholicism, regarded as heretical by the ruling Church.
The new religious group were based around modern day Langue d’Oc (Foix, AudeValley, Corbieres). They formed an anti-sacerdotal party in opposition to the Catholic Church. They were opposed to the perceived moral, spiritual and political corruption of the Church, who tried to contain and stop their popularity at first, then continued the persecution of Cathars to their suppression and eventual extinction.
Cathar heritage can be found in Carcassone, Montsegur, Queribus, Peyerepertuse in the form of poems and songs of the troubadours and in the Occitan linguistic and artistic heritage.
In subsequent times, the Pyrenees were theatre of important historical events: treaties were signed there, because of their geographical position they were both considered haven and obstacle, depending on which side one was stood; their history was inevitably determined by the people who inhabited them, and fought over possession of them.
In subsequent times, the Pyrenees were theatre of important historical events: treaties were signed there, because of their geographical position they were both considered haven and obstacle, depending on which side one was stood; their history was inevitably determined by the people who inhabited them, and fought over possession of them.
Their magnificence has not diminished in the course of the centuries, despite human intervention at times detrimental to the environment and the habitats inherent to them. Their appeal, their invitation to explore, challenge and enjoy remains one of the great pleasures for all to experience.