A crusading army captured Béziers, France, and massacred the city's inhabitants in the first major military action of the Albigensian Crusade. Massacre at Béziers: The Massacre at Béziers occurred on 22 July 1209 during the sack of Béziers by Crusaders. It was the outcome of the Siege of Béziers, which was the first major military action of the Albigensian Crusade. July 22, 1209. Wiki link