Albigensian Crusade vs. a Templar Kingdom...

any of you ever read "Holy Grail, Holy Blood" back in the 80's? This book was the main inspiration behind "The Da Vinci Code", and most of what it proposes is probably considered blasphemous by mainstream Christianity. However, there's a lot of interesting history in the book... and an intriguing 'what if'...

The Knights Templar had always been a bit envious of the Teutonic Knights' independent nation-state, and were considering an independent state of their own, in the Languedoc (the south of modern France, in the Pyrenees). Apparently, the Templars had a lot in common with the Cathars of Languedoc, and shared many of the same religious 'heresies' that prompted the launch of the Albigensian Crusade into that region. The Crusade hit before the Knights could carry out their plan.

So, let us suppose that the Templars move first. They pour their wealth and military might into the Languedoc and declare it to be an independent Templar state. If the Albigensian Crusade is then launched on schedule in 1209, how will such a conflict play out?
 
The Knights Templar had always been a bit envious of the Teutonic Knights' independent nation-state, and were considering an independent state of their own, in the Languedoc (the south of modern France, in the Pyrenees).
So, let us suppose that the Templars move first. They pour their wealth and military might into the Languedoc and declare it to be an independent Templar state. If the Albigensian Crusade is then launched on schedule in 1209, how will such a conflict play out?
If they follow the example of the Teutonic knights, this too early, the Teutonic Knights stepped in Prussia only in 1231.
 
I prefer to omit the vinculations templars-cathars.

But you have something easier: 1134 Alfonso "el Batallador" dies leaving as heirs the Knightly Orders in Jerusalem. IOTL this was ignored, but WI Aragon becomes a templar Kingdom (or Hospitalier)?
 
Apparently, the Templars had a lot in common with the Cathars of Languedoc, and shared many of the same religious 'heresies' that prompted the launch of the Albigensian Crusade into that region.
Read The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea and then explain to me exactly what similarities the Cathars and Templars had. I'm honestly interested, because I have found nothing to connect the two groups.
 
Read The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea and then explain to me exactly what similarities the Cathars and Templars had. I'm honestly interested, because I have found nothing to connect the two groups.

*shrugs* I was going by the info in HGHB... the two groups seemed to be friendly, and both were supposed to have been rather wary of the Roman Catholic Church, and rather open to variant forms of Christianity, and even Islam and Judaism...
 
If a Templar kingdom was founded in Languedoc it would be easy for anti- Templars to swamp in from northern Europe and Italy. Besides it still comes down to the Pope selling them out. If he says they are good Christians anywhere would do. If he classes them as heretics, end of story.
 
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