The Knights Templar are officially known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. The Templars have captured the imagination of people and carry a strong mysterious character. They are associated with secrets, power, wealth, and religious fanaticism. In this blog post, we delve deeper into the world of the Templars to unravel some of the myths and discover the historical facts.
Rise of the Templars
The rise of the Templars occurred in the early 12th century. The order was established after the First Crusade with the aim of protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The Templars combined the lives of monks and warriors, pledging poverty, chastity, and obedience. They quickly gained recognition and support from both the church and European rulers.
Who were the Templars
The Templars were a knightly order consisting of men from various backgrounds. To join the order, candidates had to meet certain criteria. Initially, the order focused mainly on French nobles and knights, but later their recruitment expanded to other European countries.
Most Templars came from noble and wealthy families. Young men from these social classes were often sent to the order due to family connections, to increase their wealth, or to pursue a chivalrous career. Additionally, the Templars were known for their rigorous selection process, accepting only those considered the best and most suitable candidates.
Besides noble descent, other qualifications were also considered. Skills in martial arts, military experience, and dedication to Christianity were crucial factors in selecting new members. However, it was not mandatory to be of noble birth to become a Templar.
Templar Sergeants
There were also non-knightly members within the order known as sergeants. They dressed in black and wore a red Templar emblem. These individuals were usually of humble origin and contributed to the daily operations of the order.
Sergeants served in the Templar army and had various military roles. They were responsible for protecting the order's possessions, such as castles, estates, and pilgrim routes. Acting as garrisons, they were tasked with defending strategic locations.
Although sergeants did not engage in knightly activities like mounted combat, they still performed crucial tasks on the battlefield. They participated in infantry and fought on foot, trained in the use of various weapons such as swords, axes, and shields. Additionally, they were skilled in building defensive structures and executing attack tactics.
Sergeants were also responsible for the logistical and administrative aspects of the Templars. They managed the order's properties and finances, overseeing the daily operations of estates and other possessions. They took care of maintaining weapons, equipment, and horses, ensuring that the Templars were well-prepared for military campaigns.
While sergeants held a lower status than knightly members, they still enjoyed some privileges and were considered full-fledged members of the order. They wore the characteristic white cross of the Templars on their clothing to symbolize their membership.
Turcopoles
The Turcopoles were a specific group of warriors who served in the Templar army. They mainly originated from the East, particularly from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and other neighboring regions, and had converted to Christianity.
Turcopoles played a significant role within the Templars due to their knowledge of the local language, culture, and combat techniques. They were well-acquainted with the geography and tactics used by the Templars' opponents in the East, such as the Seljuks and other Islamic armies.
The main task of the Turcopoles was to serve as a cavalry unit within the ranks of the Templars. They were highly skilled in horseback riding and wielded various weapons, including swords, spears, and bows. Their mobility and proficiency on horseback made them effective riders in combat.
As experts in Eastern combat techniques, the Turcopoles brought valuable knowledge and experience to the Templar army. They could apply strategies and tactics specific to Eastern warfare, such as ambushes, guerrilla warfare, and swift cavalry attacks. They were also adept at horseback archery.
Furthermore, the Turcopoles acted as scouts and spies for the Templars. They could gather valuable information about enemy positions, plans, and movements, which was crucial for planning military operations and making strategic decisions.
Turcopoles were not members of the order. They were not included in the ranks of the knightly brotherhood but worked as mercenaries or allies of the Templars.
The presence of the Turcopoles in the ranks of the Templars emphasized the international nature of the order and their ability to collaborate with warriors from different cultures and regions. It also attested to the tactical insight of the Templars in leveraging local expertise and skills to their advantage during military campaigns.
Templar Clothing
In times of peace, Templars were recognizable by their white mantle embroidered with the red Templar cross. Templar knights typically wore white, while Templar sergeants wore black clothing. The clothing worn by Templars was generally similar to that of other nobles and knights in the 12th-13th centuries, with the only distinguishing features being their color and emblem.
The Templars had strict rules regarding luxury. Luxuries such as extra-fine clothing, embroidery, jewelry, and other elements worn by the nobility were forbidden for the Templars. Additionally, wearing fur was prohibited within the knightly order. Even hunting, a popular noble pastime, was forbidden for the Templars unless it involved hunting lions to protect pilgrims.
Templar Armor
The armor of the Templars did not differ significantly from that of other medieval knights. The main difference lay in their combat technique and ethics. Capturing enemy leaders, looting land, and acquiring power were important reasons for medieval knights to wage war. Templars, however, could not have possessions, making them immune to such motivations. As a result, Templars were more focused on military tactics.
The gambeson, worn over the clothing, was an essential part of the Templar's armor. Gambesons absorbed impacts, providing protection against internal bleeding. Some medieval sources mention that gambesons even offered protection against arrows and blows from enemy weapons.
The mail hauberk, worn over the gambeson, provided additional protection. The gambeson protected against impacts, and the mail hauberk ensured that arrows and weapons could not cut through. Mail hauberks were made of interwoven metal rings in a 1:4 construction (one ring connects with four others) and were riveted shut.
The helmet worn by Templars evolved over time. In the early years, Templars wore a nasal helmet. This later transitioned to the 'calotte' or 'great helm.'
Over the mail hauberk, a surcoat was worn. Surcoats indicated to which knightly order or noble house one belonged. Surcoats provided protection against heat and were adopted by the Normans during the first crusades from the Saracens. Like regular knights, Templars were equipped with a sword, shield, and lance and fought on horseback. The impact of a Templar charging into the enemy at full gallop was immense, allowing knights to break through enemy lines.
Battles Fought by Templars
The Templars participated in numerous military campaigns and actions. They daily guarded the passageways to secure pilgrims. Here is an overview of the most prominent military conflicts in which the Templars took part:
Battle of Montgisard (1177)
The Templars fought in this crucial battle during the Crusades. Despite being outnumbered, they achieved victory over the much larger army of Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria.
Battle of Hattin (1187)
This battle is considered a turning point in the Crusades. Despite brave efforts by the Templars and other knightly orders, the Christian armies were defeated by Saladin, leading to the fall of Jerusalem.
Siege of Acre (1291)
The Siege of Acre was a significant battle during the final phase of the Crusades. The Templars played a prominent role in defending the city, but ultimately, Acre fell into the hands of Muslim armies.
Siege of Antioch (1097-1098)
During the First Crusade, the Templar order was involved in the siege and eventual conquest of the city of Antioch.
Battle of Ascalon (1153)
The Templars fought alongside King Baldwin III of Jerusalem in the battle against Muslim armies in the vicinity of Ascalon.
Siege of Sidon (1187)
The Templars participated in the siege of the city of Sidon during the Crusades. The siege ultimately resulted in the recapture of the city from Muslims.
Campaign in Portugal
After the Muslims conquered the Iberian Peninsula, the Templars were involved in campaigns to drive back the Muslims and establish the Christian kingdom of Portugal.
Campaign in Spain
The Templars participated in the Reconquista, the prolonged struggle of Christian kingdoms in Spain to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims. They were involved in various battles and defense operations.
Templars as Bankers and Custodians
In addition to their military activities, the Templars were known as bankers and custodians of valuable goods. This aspect of their work made them an influential financial institution during the Middle Ages.
Due to the growing power and wealth of the Templars, there was a high demand for financial services. People began trusting the order with their money and valuable possessions, and the Templars quickly became a reliable institution for safeguarding assets and conducting financial transactions.
The Templars had establishments in various parts of Europe and the Middle East, creating an extensive network of branches and contacts. Traveling merchants, pilgrims, and nobles could deposit their valuable items and money with the Templars and receive a receipt in return. This allowed them to travel safely through unfamiliar terrain without the risk of losing their wealth.
Additionally, the Templars acted as lenders, providing loans to nobles, kings, and even popes. They issued loans with interest and dealt in various currencies, making them a major player in the financial world of that time. Their international presence and network facilitated easy financial transactions between different regions.
What set the Templars apart from other bankers was their reputation for reliability and security. They had a strict internal organization and adhered to rigorous rules and regulations. This instilled confidence in those who entrusted their wealth to them.
The Templars had secure storage facilities, such as their famous castles and commanderies, where they kept treasures, documents, and other valuable goods.
The Fall of the Templars
However, the power and wealth of the Templars also drew attention and jealousy. In the early 14th century, rumors and accusations against the order began circulating. They were accused of heresy, immoral behavior, and pagan practices. In 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of all Templars in his realm. The knights were imprisoned, tortured, and forced to make false confessions.
The fall of the Templars was dramatic and violent. In 1314, the last Grand Master of the order, Jacques de Molay, and his companion Geoffroi de Charney were burned at the stake on charges of heresy. With their deaths, the powerful knightly order came to an abrupt end.
The exact number of Templars executed during the persecutions is not fully documented. Many were tortured and coerced into confessing heresy and other charges during the arrests and trials of the Templars in the 14th century. Many died as a result of these tortures, while others were sentenced to death.
The total number of Templars at that time varies in estimates. At the height of their power and influence, it is estimated that there were between 15,000 and 20,000 Templars. These estimates are not precise and can vary depending on the source.
During the wave of arrests in 1307, many Templars were captured and subjected to torture and trials. Many died during these processes.
While exact figures are unavailable, it can be concluded that a significant number of Templars lost their lives during the persecutions.
Philip IV, King of France, had various motives to condemn the Templars. Although there is debate about specific motivations, the following factors are often mentioned:
Financial interests
The Templars were a powerful and wealthy order. Philip IV was in a financially precarious situation due to wars and debts. He saw the wealth of the Templars as a way to fill his coffers. By persecuting the Templars, he could confiscate their properties and seize their financial resources.
Political rivalry
There was a long-standing power struggle between the French king and the pope. The Templars were under the direct authority of the pope and were exempt from royal jurisdiction. Philip IV saw the persecution of the Templars as an opportunity to undermine papal power and strengthen his own authority.
Accusations of heresy and immorality
Various accusations were made against the Templars, including heresy, homosexuality, and obscene rituals. Although there was little evidence for these charges, they were used to turn public opinion against the order and create support for their condemnation.
Personal vendetta
It is claimed that Philip IV had a personal feud with the Grand Master of the Templars, Jacques de Molay. Some historians suggest that the king sought revenge on De Molay for an alleged insult.
Templars in Other Knightly Orders
After the dissolution of the Templars in 1312, some former Templars were incorporated into other knightly orders. The primary knightly order in which they continued was the Order of Christ (Ordem de Cristo) in Portugal. King Denis of Portugal included the Templars in his new order, originally intended to support Portugal's maritime explorations. The Order of Christ inherited the possessions, wealth, and traditions of the Templars and played a crucial role in the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
Additionally, some Templars were absorbed into other knighthoods and knightly orders, such as the Hospitaller Knights (Order of Malta), the Order of Calatrava, the Order of Montesa, and the Order of Santiago. In these new orders and knighthoods, former Templars continued their military and religious duties, albeit under a different name and structure.
While it is tempting to believe in these myths, it is essential to distinguish historical facts from fantasy. Modern historians have extensively researched the Templars and discovered that many of the accusations against them were politically motivated. They were victims of a power struggle between princes and the church, aiming to control their wealth and influence.