Teutonic Knights

The Teutonic Knights were a medieval Catholic military order founded in the late 12th century in the Holy Land during the Crusades. Initially established to aid pilgrims and care for the sick, they evolved into a powerful military force. The order played a significant role in the Northern Crusades, establishing a state in present-day Poland, Lithuania, and the Baltic region. Known for their distinctive black cross on white robes, the Knights combined religious devotion with military goals, often engaging in territorial expansion and converting local populations to Christianity. They were influential until their decline in the 17th century.