Ask AI: Do we have evidence that Cathars and Paulicians lived more prosperous or stable, not necessarily wealthy, life compared to neighboring regions?

While there isn't a wealth of empirical evidence comparing the prosperity and stability of Cathars and Paulicians to those living in neighboring regions, we can deduce some general conclusions from historical records and scholars' analyses. The Cathars, who lived in Southern France and other parts of Europe during the 11th to 14th centuries, were part of a larger religious movement known as Gnosticism. They were generally considered to lead relatively prosperous lives due to the support they received from the local nobility and the thriving textile trade in the region. They were known for their strict moral and ethical codes, which may have contributed to their sense of stability and prosperity. Similarly, the Paulicians were a Christian sect during the 7th to 9th centuries in Armenia and other parts of the Byzantine Empire. They too enjoyed a relatively prosperous and stable life due to their expertise in various crafts and their ability to exist alongside the mainstream Christian society. However, it is important to note that both groups suffered from religious persecution when their beliefs were deemed heretical. The Cathars, in particular, were violently suppressed and almost wiped out in the Albigensian Crusade and the subsequent inquisitions. This significantly affected the stability and prosperity of their communities. In conclusion, while it is difficult to make direct comparisons between these religious groups and their neighboring regions, it seems that both the Cathars and Paulicians were able to maintain prosperous and stable lives within their respective societies. Nevertheless, the persecution they faced has made it challenging to gather sufficient evidence to make a definitive assessment.