Cathars

The Cathars were a medieval religious sect that flourished in the South of France in the 12th century. They lived simply and regarded men and women as equals; thus they were considered heretical by the Roman Catholic Church. They rejected the teachings of the Catholicism and were massacred during the Albigensian Crusade (1209- 1229). The Cathars shared possessions, recognized the Feminine principle in the divine, believed in reincarnation, recognized the dignity of manual labor and were vegetarians. They repudiated the symbol of the cross. Some scholars have suggested that the growth of the Cult of the Virgin Mary and of Mary Magdalene was encouraged by the Cathars elevation of womanhood. Eleonor of Aquitaine and her daughter were both sympathizers. In March 1244, the last stronghold of Cathars fell at the Castle of Montsegur and they were burned alive.

Cathars / unknown artist (public domain)