History of France / Crusade against the Albigensians (Cathars) / Middle AgesThe Archbishop of Auch and the Counts of Brittany and Saint-Pol beg Louis VIII to spare the prisoners after the capture of Marmande in 1219 by the crusaders. As for the bishops of Saintes and B閦iers; they asked Louis VIII; who was still a prince of France; to have the prisoners burned. Finally; Louis VIII spared those who had surrendered to him; but 5000 men; women and children were slaughtered.Engraving; 19th century.Private collection.