What Was the Order of the Knights Templar?
The history of the group known as the Knights Templar is the tale of a group that started out as defenders of Christian pilgrims and then grew into a monastic military order. By the early 14th century, however, the Templars found themselves accused of heresy and persecuted by the king of France. Novels such as "The Da Vinci Code" revived interest in the Knights Templar, but the real knights bore little resemblance to their portrayal in fiction.
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Origins
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The Templars began in the early 12th century after the First Crusade. They were founded by two French knights who swore to protect Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land.
Function
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In 1129, the Knights Templar received papal recognition. They took monastic vows of obedience, poverty and chastity, but they also swore to defend sites in the Holy Land associated with the life of Jesus Christ.
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Significance
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Over the years, the Knights Templar grew into a wealthy and powerful order, supported by the Roman Catholic Church and many European monarchs.
Decline
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In 1307, France's King Philip IV set out to destroy the Knights Templar and ordered the arrest of Templars living in France. He accused the Templars of homosexual sodomy and sacrilegious acts, including denial of Christ and worship of idols.
Theories/Speculation
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Historians believe Philip IV suppressed the Knights Templar to gain control of their wealth, not because he thought they were corrupt.
End of the Templars
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Although the arrested members of the Knights Templar were tried and acquitted, the pope dissolved the order in 1312.
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