Diocese of Maguelone
The diocese of Maguelone is a former diocese in Languedoc in the south of France . It was located in the cathedral of St-Pierre-et-St-Paul de Maguelone , which is located in today's Hérault department on a spit separated from the mainland by coastal lakes ( étangs ) .
history
The diocese of Maguelone seems to have existed as early as the 5th century - perhaps even the 3rd century - but the first bishops known by name Aetherius (around 450), Vincent (around 550) and Viator (around 557) have legendary traits. In the 6th century Maguelone belonged to the Visigoth Empire and a bishop Boëtius von Maguelone was represented at the Council of Toledo (589).
Due to its exposed location, the place was conquered by Saracen pirates in the early 8th century . This event and the subsequent reconquest by Karl Martell led to the depopulation of the region. The bishopric was also moved to Melgueil (now Mauguio ). Only Bishop Arnaud I, with papal support, moved the seat back to Maguelone around 1030/2, where the new cathedral was inaugurated in 1054, which, however, was replaced by a new building in the 12th century.
In 1536 the diocese was renamed the diocese of Montpellier , which was raised to the archbishopric in 2002 .