✠ The Order
The Knights Templar were an order of monastic knights that were primarily active in the time of the Crusades.

Their beginnings are somewhat shrouded in mystery. The founding knights were active in Jerusalem in the early 12th Century, and were known to have dug on Temple Mount - although we do not know the purpose of this.

They were given a stables and headquarters on the Mount, which then led to their name of the Knights Templar (or Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon).

They owned properties and land all over Europe and the Middle East, most of which was donated by wealthy benefactors.

Whilst they adhered to strict monastic rules as monks, such as chastity and obedience, they were also excellent and highly regarded warriors.

When engaged in battle, a Templar knight would not leave the field whilst their standard was still in play.

They also served as escorts to the more dedicated pilgrims. You could leave money with one of the orders houses in England, be accompanied (and protected) by a band of knights on your long journey across Europe, and then receive the same amount of money back once you reached the Holy Land.

In this respect, the Templars became the first bankers of the medieval era.

They eventually grew to become one of the wealthiest institutions that the world has ever seen. This in turn led to their downfall at the hands of the French King, supported by the Pope.

Traditionally, place names with the prefix of 'Temple' will have a Templar connection (such as Temple Cowley, Oxford).

✠ Insignia

♘ Founding Brothers
Hugh de Payens
Andre de Montbard
Godfrey de Saint-Omer
Payens de Montdidier
Archambaud de Saint Armand

🗡Battle Standard

🗡Famous Battles
Arsuf
Cresson
Hattin
La Forbie
Legnica
Marj Ayyun
Montgisard
Las Navas de Tolosa

🔥 Famous Sieges
Acre (1189-1191)
Acre (1291)
Ascalon
Burriana
Damasus (1148)
Al-Dāmūs
Ruad
Shaizar
Tripoli (1289)

✠ Key Dates
Created in 1119
Suppressed in 1312