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Part 1, Chapter 1, Village of Mystery

• Readers are introduced to Sauniere and Rennes-le-Chateau.

• Sauniere's career as parish priest is discussed.

• Sauniere remodels his church and discovers secret documents and cornerstone.

• Sauniere becomes rich.
• The authors discuss the Cathars and Palestine.

• Sauniere dies penniless, having left his massive fortune to his housekeeper.

• Authors compare a tomb to a painting by Poussin.

Part 1, Chapter 2, The Cathars and the Great Heresy

• The authors discuss the existence of the Albigensians and Cathars.

• The Crusades are detailed briefly.

• Cathars believed in reincarnation, the feminine principle, and that God was a usurper.
• Cathars were persecuted.

• Stories of Cathar treasure abounded.

Part 1, Chapter 3, The Warrior-Monks

• The authors introduce the Knights Templar.

• The history and origin of the Knights Templar are examined.

• The Templars answered only to the Pope.

• The Templars often served as political mediators.
• King Philippe IV of France disliked the Templars.

• Philippe ordered the...

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