KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

Templars (full name: Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon ) is a medieval knightly order that was founded at the beginning of the 12th century and survived until the beginning of the 14th century. It is assumed that the order was founded around 1120 by the French crusader Hugues de Payns, and its formula was approved by the Pope in 1129. The main goal of the order was to protect pilgrims going to the Holy Land and the broadly understood fight against Muslim Arabs. Although over time the order gained great riches and was known for its proficiency in dealing with money, its official seal featured two knights riding one battle steed, symbolizing the poverty and humility of the brothers. At the head of the order was a grand master who was elected, and on important matters he consulted the religious chapter. Other important officials of the order were the seneschal (responsible for the procurement and economic affairs of the order), marshal or commander of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, who was the treasurer of the order. The main armed force of the order were, of course, brother knights, but also servants and lay knights. The armament of a brother-knight in the 13th century usually consisted of a pot helmet, chain mail with elements of plate armor and iron hosiery. The Templar also had a shield, sword, lance and dagger (misericord). Knights of the Order took part in many battles, including the capture of Ascalon (1153) or the Battle of Hattin (1187). The order was dissolved under the pressure and policy of Philip the Beautiful at the beginning of the 14th century, and its last grand master was burned at the stake in 1314.