Knights Templar Summary
The Order of the Temple Knights
The Order of the Temple Knights, often referred to as the Templar Knights, was a medieval Christian military order. The order was officially recognised by the Catholic Church around 1139 and became a favoured charity throughout Christendom. The Templar Knights were known for their distinctive white mantles adorned with a red cross.
Origins and Early History
The Templar Knights were formed in the aftermath of the First Crusade of 1096, with the initial purpose of protecting Christian pilgrims who were travelling to the Holy Land. The order was founded by French knight Hugues de Payens and his relative Godfrey de Saint-Omer. They gained the support of Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent Church figure, who helped them gain the recognition of the Church.
Growth and Influence
The Templar Knights grew rapidly in membership and power. They developed a network of their own estates throughout Europe and the Middle East, which were used for training, farming, and other purposes. The Templars were also involved in financial operations, effectively creating an early form of banking.
Decline and Suppression
The Templar Knights' influence began to wane after the loss of the Holy Land. Accusations of heresy were made against them, leading to the order's members being arrested and their assets seized. In 1312, Pope Clement V disbanded the order under pressure from King Philip IV of France.
Legacy
The Templar Knights have left a lasting legacy and are often associated with legends and myths. They have been the subject of many historical and fictional works, and their influence can be seen in modern organisations such as the Freemasons.
References
<reflist />
See Also
Crusades Military orders History of the Catholic Church
External Links
TemplarHistory.com - An online resource for Templar history and information. Medieval Warfare: Templars - Information about the military tactics and structure of the Templars.