The Knights of the Cross

The Knights of the Cross, also known as the Teutonic Knights, was a medieval Christian military order founded in the late 12th century. They combined religious devotion with military activity, aiming to defend Christian territories and promote Christianity in Central and Eastern Europe. The Knights were known for their disciplined lifestyle, conquest of pagan regions, and building of castles, especially in present-day Poland and the Baltic states. Over time, their role shifted from military to political and territorial authority, influencing the history and culture of the regions they governed until their decline in the late Middle Ages.