Order of the Knights Templar

The Order of the Knights Templar was a medieval Christian military and religious organization founded in the 12th century to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. They combined martial prowess with religious vows, managing extensive financial networks and landholdings across Europe. The Templars played a key role during the Crusades, acting as soldiers and financiers. Over time, their power and wealth drew envy and suspicion, leading to their dissolution in the early 14th century. Today, they are often associated with myths of secret societies and hidden treasures, but historically, they were a prominent order of warrior monks dedicated to defending Christian interests during the Crusades.