Military Order of Christ

The Military Order of Christ was a prominent Portuguese knights' order founded in the 14th century, originally as the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal. After the Templars were suppressed, it became the Order of Christ, serving both religious and military purposes, notably during the Age of Discoveries. It played a key role in Portugal’s maritime explorations, funding and supporting explorers like Vasco da Gama. The order combined spiritual duties with involvement in overseas expansion and colonization, and it also managed significant land holdings and resources within Portugal. Today, it functions as a charitable and religious organization with historical importance.