Simon et Pierre II d’Aragon: faits et mémoire

Abstract

The history of Simon de Montfort is inseparable from the one who would eventually become his most powerful enemy, the King of Aragon Peter the Catholic. This contribution first analyses the contacts between the two characters and their fluctuating political relations, which culminated in September 1213 in Muret's decisive confrontation. Simon will build his political and military triumph in the short term, and his myth in the medium and long term, on the legitimacy obtained in this victory. If his memory has only one of his strong points in Muret, that of the king will remain inextricably linked to his defeat and his death. Around Muret were built silences, explanations and justifications which shaped our perception of Pierre, as well as that of Simon, even today as yesterday.