Battle of Muret

At the Battle of Muret on September 12, 1213 the Crusading army of Simon IV de Montfort defeated the Aragonese and Catalonian forces of Peter II of Aragon.

Background

Simon IV de Montfort was the leader of the Albigensian Crusade to destroy the Cathar heresy. He invaded Toulouse and exiled its count, Raymond VI. Count Raymond sought assistance from his brother-in-law, King Peter II of Aragon, who felt threatened by Montfort's conquests in Languedoc. He decided to cross the Pyrenees and deal with Montfort at Muret.

Related Topics:
Albigensian Crusade - Cathar - Toulouse - Raymond VI - Peter II of Aragon - Languedoc - Muret

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On September 10, Peter's army arrived at Muret, and was joined by a Toulousain militia. His ally and brother-in-law, Count Raymond VI of Toulouse, advised against a pitched battle and proposed a seige to starve out the Crusaders. Peter rejected this suggestion as unknightly and dishonorable. Instead he chose to position his army so their right flank was protected by the Saudrune River, and the left protected by a marsh. He left the Toulousain militia to assault the walls of the city.

Related Topics:
September 10 - Raymond VI of Toulouse - Saudrune River

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