Trencavel

The Trencavel family was a noble family in medieval France, specifically in the region of Occitania (modern southern France). They held significant power as viscounts of Carcassonne, Albi, and Beziers during the 12th and 13th centuries. Known for their political influence and alignment with the Cathar movement—a religious group considered heretical by the Catholic Church—they played a key role in regional conflicts. Their resistance against the growing authority of the French monarchy and the church ultimately led to their suppression, with many members, including the last Viscount Raimond Trencavel, being imprisoned or killed during the Albigensian Crusade.