Siege and massacre of Béziers

Timeline

1. 1209Béziers · LanguedocAdvancing south, the crusaders first besieged Béziers, where Catholics and Cathar believers lived intermingled; the bishop's attempt to negotiate a surrender failed, and the garrison refused to hand over the heretics.
2. 1209Béziers · LanguedocAfter breaking through the defenses the crusaders slaughtered the inhabitants; according to tradition, Arnaud Amalric ordered "Kill them all, God will know his own." The churches were not spared, and the city was almost entirely destroyed.