1. Religion of the Middle Ages

2. Governmental Powers of the Church Was very dominant and in charge The only religion was Roman Catholic Collected taxes Rich people bribed the church with gifts of land, flocks, crops, and serfs for favors

3. Governmental Powers (cont) The Pope was the head of the church and could threaten people that were rebelling against the church If they rebelled enough, the pope could excommunicate the people This means they would go to hell when they died, which is a very serious consequence since everyone believed in heaven and hell in those days

4. The Church Service Services were half an hour long Everyone attended some form of church service The sermon was spoken in Latin and translated into their native language

5. Cathars a group of Christians that broke off from Roman Catholicism Sought a more pure life than Catholics Mainly in Italy and Languedoc Many followers were of nobility, but also had some poor followers

6. Cathars (cont) Believed the world was evil Had to fast, pray, work, and be peaceful Believed in equality and respect of women Priests and perfects were the officers Picture of Cathar books being burned by Catholics

7. Cathars (cont) Crusaders from the Roman Catholic church besieged the town of Beziers, which had a partially Cathars and partially Catholic population All of the town was massacred by crusaders, even Catholics Over 20,000 people were killed All Cathars were suppressed and eliminated by the Catholic church