24 NOVEMBER 2001, Page 38

From Dr Nigel Legg Sir: Stephen Glover (Media studies, 3

November) says the attack on the 11 September was the worst single act of terrorism ever committed, but he has forgotten an earlier and strangely similar event with even more dreadful results. A leader with strongly held religious beliefs, well protected in his labyrinthine hideaway, attracted fanatical followers with promises of rewards in the next world, and used them to slaughter 20,000 ordinary people, simply because of their different beliefs and lifestyles. His name was Pope Innocent III, his victims were all the inhabitants of Beziers, and the date was 22 July 1209. Christianity had to reached its 13th century, and its adolescent psychopathic elements were emerging: Islam has now reached a similar age.

N.J. Legg

London N6