What does “Caedite EOS. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius” Mean?

The phrase “Caedite EOS. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius” is a Latin sentence that translates to “Kill them all. For the Lord knows those who are His.” This grim directive is often associated with a massacre that took place during the Albigensian Crusade in the early 13th century. Arnaud Amalric, a prominent Cistercian abbot, was reported to have uttered these words prior to the Béziers massacre on July 22, 1209.

Historical Context of the Albigensian Crusade

The Albigensian Crusade was a Catholic military campaign that took place from 1209 to 1229, aimed at suppressing the Catharism movement in southern France. Catharism, or Albigensianism, was a Christian dualist faith that emerged in the 11th century, challenging the doctrine and authority of the Western Church. The crusade was initiated in response to the perceived heresy prevalent in the region.

The Significance of thephrase “Caedite EOS”

Que “Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius” is often incorrectly attributed to Arnaud Amalric. The actual phrase is from the Bible, specifically from 2 Timothy 2:19, “The Lord knoweth them that are His.”

During the Albigensian Crusade, this phrase was erroneously cited as a directive for the massacre of about 20,000 inhabitants of Béziers on July 22, 1209. The sentence was used when it was suggested that some Catholics were among the population within the city walls, with the implication being that all should be killed, as divine judgment would recognize the faithful.

Breakdown of the Latin Sentence

The phrase can be broken down as follows:

Caedite eos: The imperative plural of the verb caedo -is caecidi caesum caedere (to cut, to kill) Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius: Qui sunt eius: The genitive singular of is ea id (a demonstrative/personal pronoun) means “those who are his” Novit: The perfect third-person singular of nosco -is novi notum noscere (to know) Enim: A conjunction meaning “for” Domimus: Nominative form of dominus -a (2nd declension, meaning “master” in this case, “the Lord” “God”) Sunt: The third-person plural of sum es fui esse (to be)

Modern Interpretations and Cultural References

The phrase “Caedite EOS” has been referenced in various cultural contexts, often symbolizing moral ambiguity in the face of violence. This has led to its inclusion in contemporary literature, film, and other media, where it often serves as a reflection on the complex ethical dilemmas associated with violence and divine judgment.

One notable example is its use in George Romero’s film Dawn of the Dead (1978), in which the phrase is misquoted as “Caedite eos, ne quis corruat,” to highlight the violent and illogical nature of the characters.

Conclusion

The Albigensian Crusade and its associated phrases reflect a dark chapter in medieval history. The phrase “Caedite EOS. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius” remains a contentious topic, highlighted by the misattribution and the moral quandaries it embodies. It serves as a reminder of historical events and their enduring impact on cultural discourse and media.