The Incredible Saga of the Multipliers: A Dive into the History of a Sect That Rocked Montpellier
In the 18th century, Montpellier was shaken by an enigmatic sect known as the Multipliants. Gathered in a discreet residence in the Écusson district, these fervent believers mystically attracted more followers each week, arousing both fascination and concern. Accused of heresy, this community, discovered by the authorities and brutally suppressed, remains today a fascinating piece of Montpellier’s past. Thanks to a lecture led by Dr. Rafaël Hyacinthe, we have the opportunity to delve into the depths of a history that, although heavy, has left its mark on the mind and heart of the city.
A city in turmoil: whispers and mysteries in the Écusson district
For some time now, rumors have been circulating through the winding streets of the Écusson district in Montpellier. Curious onlookers tell us that every Saturday evening, a small, modest house, once owned by the merchant Jean Verchand and now under the care of his widow, Anne Robert, fills with furtive shadows. These people, men and women, gather in the utmost secrecy, filling the space with mystical chants and haunting orations. On Monday morning, the corners of the house are deserted… but those who engage in these ceremonies reappear, in greater numbers than before. Miraculous transformations, sudden conversions, or collective delusion? The mystery persists, rubbing shoulders with the fear of even the most skeptical.
From Darkness to Light: The Insurrection of the Multipliers
The story took a decisive turn when the King’s Intendant in Languedoc became interested in this unusual sect. Following a meticulous investigation, the Multipliers affair came to light in 1723. Anne Robert and several influential members of her group, attracting suspicion, were arrested. The in-depth investigation uncovered a clandestine religious network distinguished by its prophetesses, its nocturnal rituals of repentance, its unusual baptisms, and its haughty rejection of the established clergy. This group, claiming to be reborn from a mystical revival inspired by the Old Testament, was perceived by some as an unforgivable heresy, quickly suppressed with severe penalties: imprisonment for women, galleys for men, and sometimes worse.
Brutal Repression: The Response of the Royal Power
Faced with this upheaval, the response of the authorities was merciless. Mass arrests, harsh prison sentences at the infamous Tour de Constance, and even executions attempted to eradicate what they considered destructive fanaticism. However, while Anne Robert’s house has become a symbol of failure and caution for some, for others it remains a sanctuary of a deep and unwavering faith. This repression, far from erasing the memory of the Multipliants, only rekindles the flame of a history the city will never forget.
A historical dive with Rafaël Hyacinthe: science, memory, and revelations
Fortunately, the veil of oblivion is being lifted thanks to the Hérault Departmental Archives, which are hosting an exceptional conference on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Pierresvives. Rafaël Hyacinthe, a doctor of history, has dedicated his research to uncovering the secrets surrounding the Multipliants. His talk, entitled « The Multipliants Sect in Montpellier, » promises to be a fascinating intellectual adventure. Drawing on rich and sometimes little-known period documentation, he offers new insight into this affair, too often summarized by official accounts. This is a unique opportunity to rediscover this fascinating saga.
Modern Relics: Traces of a Tumultuous Past in the Heart of Montpellier
Today, as Montpellier looks ambitiously toward its future, for example by developing the new tram line 5, it cannot ignore the echoes of this past etched in its ancient streets. The house where the Multipliants once gathered still resonates with their mystical chants and silent prayers. Thanks to this conference, the Multipliants are revived, no longer as a threat, but as invaluable witnesses to the complexity and richness of Montpellier’s history.