The term “Cathars” refers to a religious sect that emerged in the 12th century in Europe, particularly in the Languedoc region of France. The Cathars were known for their dualistic beliefs, which emphasized a stark distinction between the spiritual realm (considered good) and the material world (considered evil). They rejected the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and its sacraments, advocating instead for a simple, ascetic lifestyle and direct personal experience of the divine. Their beliefs led to conflicts with the Catholic Church, culminating in the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229) aimed at eradicating their teachings. The Cathar movement was ultimately suppressed, but it has been the subject of historical and scholarly interest due to its unique doctrines and the resistance it posed to established religious authority.
