Historical Figures

Simon IV, Count of Montfort (1165 - 1218)

Simon de Montfort comes from a family of baronial rank in Ile-de-France by his father and of the Anglo-Norman baronage by his mother. In 1202, he embarked to take part in the fourth crusade. He will bring back a piece of the Holy Cross which he will offer to the monastery of Hautes Bruyères. In 1209 he was part of the Crusader army against the Cathars, taking part in the sieges of Béziers and Carcassonne. After the latter, he is chosen as head of the army. It does not take long to become Viscount of Béziers and Carcassonne. In 1213, he defeated the army of King Peter II of Aragon, who was killed, at the Battle of Muret. But he died during the siege of Toulouse. His cruelty towards the Cathars is well known to us, as is his courage in battle.