Who were the Templar Knights? The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order that emerged in the 12th century. They were founded to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and to defend the Crusader States in the Levant.
The Templars quickly became one of the most powerful organizations in Europe, with vast wealth and significant political influence. They were renowned for their military prowess, disciplined organization, and commitment to the Christian faith.
However, their power and wealth eventually led to their downfall. King Philip IV of France, who was heavily in debt to the Templars, orchestrated their arrest and subsequent trials on charges of heresy and other crimes.
In 1312, Pope Clement V disbanded the order, and many of its members were executed. Despite their relatively short existence, the Templars have captured the popular imagination and continue to be the subject of numerous books, films, and television series.
Their legacy lives on in the modern-day Freemasons, who trace their roots back to the Templars.