Iberian Orders of Knights

The Iberian Orders of Knights were medieval religious-military organizations in the Iberian Peninsula, notably the Order of Santiago, the Order of Calatrava, and the Order of Alcántara. They combined Christian devotion with military discipline, aiming to defend Christian territories and promote the Reconquista— the Christian reconquest of Iberian lands from Muslim rule. Members took vows of loyalty, poverty, and service, blending spiritual duties with military responsibilities. Over time, these orders also gained significant landholdings and political influence, shaping medieval Iberian society through their roles in warfare, religion, and administration.