The Order of the Knights Templar

The Order of the Knights Templar was a medieval Christian military order founded in the 12th century to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Comprising skilled knights and monks, they combined martial prowess with religious devotion. Over time, they became a wealthy and influential financial institution, managing estates and providing banking services across Europe. Their strategic role in the Crusades and distinctive emblem made them well-known, but the order was disbanded in the early 14th century amid political and financial conflicts. Today, they are often associated with mystery and legends, but historically, they were a notable martial and financial order of the Middle Ages.