Order of Teutonic Knights

The Order of Teutonic Knights was a medieval Christian military order founded in the late 12th century, originally to aid pilgrims and defend Christian territories in the Holy Land. Over time, they shifted focus to establishing and controlling territories in Eastern Europe, particularly in modern-day Latvia and Estonia, often involved in territorial conquest and management. They combined religious, military, and administrative roles, promoting Christianization and stability in the regions they governed. The order played a significant role in shaping medieval Eastern European history and transitioned from combat duties to primarily administrative and religious functions by the late Middle Ages.