Knights Templar (dissolved)

The Knights Templar was a medieval Christian military order founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. They became powerful, combining military strength with financial activities like banking. By the early 14th century, their wealth and influence threatened monarchs and the Church. King Philip IV of France, heavily indebted to them, accused them of heresy and other crimes, leading to their dissolution in 1312 by papal decree. Many members were arrested, and the order was disbanded. Today, the Templars are often associated with mysteries and legends, but historically, they were a prominent medieval order involved in warfare, finance, and religious devotion.