Howarth suggests/implies that De Molay et al regretted Beziers and all the destruction upon southern France and Aragon. They certainly didn't see the same thing happen to them later by Philip.
O'Shea and Weiss painted a picture of relative harmony in the regions controlled by the Cathars and the Templars. There was secular republicanism. Jewish and oriental thought flourished. They all made a fortune economically, which is probably the true reason for the invasions and the double-cross.
Isn't that always the case for such dark adventures: Greed, jealousy, and power. Thankfully, out of the ashes of Beziers and the double-cross rose the Phoenix of the United States, which ironically is the greatest contributor to Catholic wealth. What goes round goes round and round and round and...
Aubrey
Howarth suggests/implies that De Molay et al regretted Beziers and all the destruction upon southern France and Aragon. They certainly didn't see the same thing happen to them later by Philip.