The Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, was a Catholic military order recognized in 1139 by papal bull Omne Datum Optimum. The order was founded in the early 12th century, around 1119, by a French knight named Hugues de Payens along with eight other knights. They were originally based on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and swore to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
The Templars were unique due to their dual role as both monks and warriors. They took monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, but were also heavily armed and trained for battle. This combination of religious fervor and military prowess made them one of the most feared and respected fighting forces of the Crusades.
(Knights Templar in a battle)
Their influence grew rapidly, and they became a favored charity throughout Christendom, receiving money, land, and noble-born sons from families eager to help with the fight in the Holy Land. This wealth allowed them to develop a complex economic network across the whole of Christendom. They established new techniques in banking that can be seen as early forms of modern banking. They built fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land and at their peak, the order owned or managed over 800 castles and fortresses across Europe and the Middle East.
However, their wealth and power aroused suspicion and envy. In 1307, King Philip IV of France, deeply in debt to the Templars, took advantage of this sentiment and had many members of the order in France arrested, tortured into giving false confessions, and burned at the stake. In 1312, under pressure from King Philip, Pope Clement V dissolved the order. The abrupt disappearance of their order gave rise to speculation and legends, which has kept the Templar name alive into the modern day.
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Deus Vult