Trencavel family

The Trencavel family was a prominent noble family in medieval France, particularly known for their control over the region of Languedoc during the 11th to 13th centuries. They were viscounts, a rank of nobility, specifically in cities like Béziers and Carcassonne. The Trencavels were influential in the development of regional politics and the economy, playing a significant role in the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heresy. Their power declined after being defeated by King Louis VIII of France, leading to the royal crown's increased control over the area. The family's legacy is tied to the history of southern France.