Spread of Catharism from Slavonia 107 Diffusion throughout Europe in the Eleventh Century 108 Increase in Twelfth Century 110 Comparative Exemption of Germany and England 112 Growth in Italy. Efforts of Innocent III. 114 Its Stronghold in Southern France 117 Its Expected Triumph 121 Failure of Crusade of 1181 124 Period of Toleration and Growth 125 CHAPTER IV.--THE ALBIGENSIAN CRUSADES. Policy of the Church towards Heresy 129 Suppression of Heresy in the Nivernais 130 Translations of Scripture forbidden at Metz 131 Power of Raymond VI. of Toulouse 132 Condition of the Church in his Dominions 134 Innocent III. Undertakes the Suppression of Heresy 136 The Prelates Refuse their Aid 137 Arnaud of Citeaux Sent as Chief Legate 139 Fruitless Effort to Organize a Crusade in 1204 139 The Bishop of Osma and St. Dominic Urge Fresh Efforts in 1206 141 Attempt to Organize a Crusade in 1207 144 Murder of Pierre de Castelnau, Jan. 16, 1208 145 Crusade successfully Preached in 1208 147 Raymond's Efforts to Avert the Storm 149 His Submission and Penance; Duplicity of Innocent III 150 Raymond Directs the Crusade against the Vicomte de Béziers 153 Sack of Béziers.--Surrender of Carcassonne 154 Pedro of Aragon and Simon de Montfort 157 De Montford Accepts the Conquered Territories.--His Difficulties 159 Raymond Attacked.--Deceit Practised by the Church 162 His Desperate Efforts to Avert a Rupture 166 First Siege of Toulouse.--Raymond Gradually Overpowered 167 Intervention of Pedro of Aragon 170 Raymond Prejudged.--Trial Denied him 173 Pedro Declares War.--Battle of Muret, Sept. 13, 1213 175 De Montfort's Vicissitudes.--Pious Fraud of the Legate 178 Raymond Deposed and Replaced by De Montfort 179 The Lateran Council.--It Decides in De Montfort's Favor 181 Rising of the People under the Younger Raymond 184 Second Siege of Toulouse in 1217.--Death of De Montfort 185