Templar Trials

The Templar Trials were a series of legal proceedings in the early 14th century, where the Knights Templar—a wealthy and powerful medieval military order—faced charges of heresy, secrecy, and misconduct. King Philip IV of France, eager to seize their assets, accused them of criminal acts, leading to their arrest, interrogations, and confessions—many gained under torture. These trials ultimately resulted in the suppression of the order, with many members executed or imprisoned. Today, they are often remembered as a significant event in medieval history, marked by political intrigue, religious tensions, and disputes over wealth and power.