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The Counts of Toulouse instilled the value of Paratge in their land. This is the fundamental value of the County of Toulouse, which will constitute its wealth and its unique character. It is a humanist evolution of Roman law that permeated our region for almost 1400 years (Narbonensis, Visigoths, County of Toulouse). Paratge signified nobility of spirit, equality between men and women, freedom of worship, and a society without serfdom. This value led the Counts of Toulouse to go further and grant significant autonomy to each of their towns by empowering their populations. Alphonse Jourdain initiated this development in 1141 by appointing and having elected consuls (capitouls in Toulouse) representing each district in every town. Raymond V continued his father’s work and drafted the Charter of Communal Liberties in 1152. In 1189, the consuls obtained even broader powers. They administered justice, decided on and collected taxes, drafted laws, and held police powers and the authority to manage militias.