Minerve

A very ancient village with an altar dating back to the year 456. But it is remembered for the Cathar wars. In 1210, a group of Cathars sought refuge in Minerve after the bloody Massacre at Béziers. Then, Simon de Montfort and his army besieged the city for six weeks before it surrendered. He set up four catapults to destroy the ramparts and the town’s well. After their water supply was cut off, Minerve finally gave up and surrendered to Simon de Montfort. When 140 Cathars refused to give up their faith, they were burned at the stake in the village square.

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