An engaging historical account of the Knights Templars, one of the most famous and controversial military orders of the Middle Ages.

Founded in the early twelfth century to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, the Templars rapidly became one of the most powerful religious and military organizations in medieval Christendom. Their discipline, wealth, and influence made them central figures in the history of the Crusades and ensured their lasting place in European tradition.

This study traces the rise of the Order from its origins under Hugh of Payns through its expansion across Europe and the Holy Land. It also examines the dramatic destruction of the Templars in the early fourteenth century, when King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V accused the Order of heresy and brought about the arrest and execution of its members, including the last Grand Master, Jacques de Molay.

James Burnes explores not only the history of the Templars but also the traditions that survived after their suppression, showing how the memory of the Order continued to influence later generations.

Presented here in a clear large-print edition with illustrations and complete footnotes, this volume offers a valuable introduction to the history and legacy of the Knights Templars.

Excerpt: "It was in the year 1119, the twentieth of the Christian dominion in Syria, that nine pious and valiant Knights, the greater part of whom had been the companions of Godfrey de Bouillon, formed themselves into an association, the object of which was to protect and defend Pilgrims on their visits to the holy places. These Knights, of whom the two chief were Hugo de Payens and Godfrey de St. Omer, vowed, in honour of the sweet Mother of God, to unite Monkhood and Knighthood; their pious design met with the warm approbation of the King and the Patriarch, and in the hands of the latter they made the three ordinary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; and a fourth, of combating without ceasing against the heathen, in defence of Pilgrims and of the Holy Land; and bound themselves to live according to the rule of the canons of St. Augustine, at Jerusalem. The King assigned them for their abode a part of his palace, which stood close by where had stood the Temple of the Lord. He and his barons contributed to their support, and the abbot and canons of the Temple assigned them for the keeping of their arms and magazines the street between it and the royal palace, and hence they took the name of the soldiery of the Temple, or Templars."