Origins: The Poor Knights of Christ The Knights Templar, originally known as the Poor Knights of Christ, were a Christian military order founded in the aftermath of the First Crusade. Their primary mission was to ensure the safety of Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Over time, they grew in power and wealth, establishing a vast network of fortifications across the Holy Land and Europe.

"Sell Your Cloak and Buy a Sword" One of the biblical passages that resonates with the Templars' martial spirit is Jesus' instruction to his disciples during the Last Supper: "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Gospel of Luke 22:36-38, NKJV). This passage has been interpreted in various ways. Some believe it signifies the need for defense and protection, while others argue it was a symbolic gesture to fulfill prophecy.

Popes and Their Relationship with the Knights Templar:

1. Pope Innocent II (1130-1143):

   • Role with Templars: He was one of the earliest papal supporters of the Templars. In 1139, he issued the papal bull "Omne Datum Optimum," which recognized the Templars as an independent military and religious order. This decree granted the Templars special privileges, including exemption from taxes and the authority to build their own oratories.
   • Significance: This papal support was instrumental in the rapid growth and influence of the Templars throughout Christendom.

2. Pope Celestine II (1143-1144):

   • Role with Templars: He continued the support initiated by Innocent II and confirmed the privileges granted to the Templars.
   • Significance: His short papacy ensured the Templars remained in good standing with the Church.

3. Pope Eugene III (1145-1153):

   • Role with Templars: He issued the bull "Militia Dei" in 1145, further endorsing the Templars. This decree allowed the Templars to collect their own tithes and gave them more autonomy in financial matters.
   • Significance: This bolstered the Templars' financial independence and solidified their position as a powerful and self-sustaining order.

4. Pope Alexander III (1159-1181):

   • Role with Templars: He was a staunch supporter of the Templars and issued several bulls in their favor similar to  "Omne Datum Optimum," which reiterated the privileges granted to the Templars and expanded upon them.
   • Significance: His reign saw the Templars rise to the peak of their influence and power.

5. Pope Clement V (1305-1314):

   • Role with Templars: His relationship with the Templars was complex. Initially, he sought to reform the order but was pressured by King Philip IV of France to take action against them. This led to the infamous trials and eventual dissolution of the order in 1312.
   • Significance: Despite his initial intentions to support the Templars, political pressures led to their downfall during his papacy.

Throughout their existence, the Knights Templar enjoyed significant support and privileges from the papacy. This relationship allowed them to amass wealth, power, and influence, making them one of the most formidable military and religious orders of the medieval era. However, as with many powerful entities, their influence eventually waned, leading to their tragic end.

Knights Templar and Their Role in the Crusades

The Knights Templar, formally known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, was a prominent military order of the Catholic faith during the Middle Ages. Founded around 1119, they were headquartered on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and played a significant role in the Crusades. The Templars were known for their distinctive white mantles adorned with a red cross and were among the most skilled fighting units during the Crusades.

Crusades Involvement:

1. Siege of Shaizar (1138): One of the early engagements of the Templars during the Crusades. More details

2. Siege of Damascus (1148): A significant siege during the Second Crusade where the Templars played a crucial role. More details

3. Battle of Montgisard (1177): A notable victory for the Templars, where around 500 Templar knights, along with other Christian forces, defeated Saladin's army of over 26,000 soldiers.

4. Battle of Hattin (1187): A pivotal battle leading to the Third Crusade, which saw the Templars face a significant defeat.

5. Siege of Acre (1190–1191): A crucial siege during the Third Crusade where the Templars played a significant role.

The Templars were involved in numerous other battles and sieges during the Crusades, marking their importance in the Christian military campaigns in the Holy Land.

Famous Templar Heroes:

1. Hugues de Payens: The first Grand Master of the Knights Templar. He was instrumental in the foundation of the order and its early establishment in the Holy Land.

2. Jacques de Molay: The last Grand Master of the Templars. He is famously known for his defiant stand against the persecution of the Templars and his eventual execution by burning at the stake in 1314.

3. Geoffroi de Charney: Preceptor of Normandy and a close associate of Jacques de Molay. He too faced execution alongside de Molay for standing firm in his beliefs.

The Knights Templar's influence waned towards the end of the Crusades, especially after the loss of the Holy Land. Rumors and accusations against the order led to their persecution, with many members being arrested and executed. The order was officially dissolved in 1312 by Pope Clement V.

Baphomet, the Templars, and Islamic Influences

Baphomet and the Templars Baphomet is a deity allegedly worshipped by the Knights Templar that later became incorporated into various occult and Western esoteric traditions. The name Baphomet appeared in trial transcripts for the Inquisition of the Knights Templar starting in 1307. It became popular in English usage in the 19th century during debates about the reasons for the suppression of the Templar order. Baphomet is seen as a symbol of balance in various occult and mystical traditions. Some occultists have attempted to link its origin with the Gnostics and Templars. Since 1856, Baphomet has been associated with the "Sabbatic Goat" image drawn by Éliphas Lévi, which represents the equilibrium of opposites.

Rituals and Practices The Templars were accused of various heretical practices during their trials. Among the charges were the worship of idols, including heads, some of which had three faces, and others just one. Some descriptions mentioned a human skull. In their assemblies, especially in their grand chapters, they were accused of worshipping the idol as a god, believing that it could bestow wealth and make plants sprout. Some Templars confessed (likely under torture) to worshipping Baphomet by kissing its feet and exclaiming "Yalla", a word taken from the Saracens.

Islamic Influences The Templars had extensive interactions with Muslim Saracens during the Crusades, leading to cultural exchanges and influences. Some historians believe that the Templars might have adopted certain Sufi practices and incorporated them into their rituals. One of the charges against the Templars was that they secretly revered Muhammad, which would have been a significant heresy in the eyes of the Christian Church. However, it's essential to understand that these allegations came during a time of heightened political tension, and many of the charges could have been exaggerated or entirely fabricated.

Drinking Wine from a Skull or Blood The act of drinking wine from a skull or consuming blood has deep symbolic meanings in various traditions. In some occult practices, the skull cup represents the cyclical nature of life and death, and drinking from it symbolizes drawing power from the life force of the deceased. Such rituals are believed to grant spiritual power, knowledge, or communion with the dead. In the context of the Templars, while there were many accusations thrown at them, it's essential to note that many of these charges were likely exaggerated or fabricated to justify their persecution.

Trials of the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar emerged in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem circa 1120. Initially, a group of nine Christian warriors, under the guidance of King Baldwin II and Patriarch Warmund, dedicated themselves to safeguarding pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Their recognition as a military order was solidified at the Council of Troyes in 1129. Renowned for their courage and unwavering spirit, they played a pivotal role in the Crusades.

Yet, their clandestine operations, immense influence, special rights, and vast riches made them targets of suspicion. Despite the Pope's efforts, the French King aimed to dismantle them. Templar chief, Master Jacques de Molay, was in France for papal discussions when, in 1307, French Templars were suddenly accused of heresy and detained. Many faced execution, including de Molay, while others were imprisoned indefinitely. Trials took place in various regions, each yielding distinct results.

The Templar Order's inception was around 1120 when eight Christian warriors sought Warmund, Jerusalem's Patriarch, for approval to guard the Jerusalem Kingdom. Stationed at Solomon's Temple, Hugues de Payens became their leader. Their main task was safeguarding pilgrims from potential threats. Their responsibilities grew to include participation in the Crusades, accumulating considerable wealth and influence. They benefited from generous donations, tax exemptions, and were only answerable to the Pope.

However, animosity towards the Templars increased. Accusations of corruption and other allegations surfaced. Their financial operations also faced scrutiny. Their final stronghold's loss in Syria exposed their vulnerability. Despite the 1307 arrests, many argued that the Order remained untainted.

Their rapport with the papacy was complex. Pope Boniface VIII and France's Philip IV had disagreements. Philip IV, who utilized Templars for financial matters, held them in high regard. Yet, he was known to confiscate assets when necessary. In 1307, Templars faced arrest, incarceration, and heresy charges, not initiated by the Pope.

On September 14, 1307, Philip IV discreetly ordered the detention of all French Templars. By October 13, 1307, they were all in custody. Pope Clement V, initially opposed, later endorsed the arrest and seizure of Templar assets. Key figures like Jacques de Molay and Hugues de Pairaud were apprehended. Many Templars admitted to various accusations under duress.

Ultimately, de Molay admitted guilt but later withdrew his confession. On March 18, 1314, both de Molay and de Charney were declared relapsed heretics and executed.

After document examination, Pope Clement V, on March 22, 1312, issued a decree dissolving the Templar Order. By May 1312, another decree mandated the transfer of Templar assets to the Knights Hospitaller.

Trials in the British Isles:

In 1307, the British Isles' Templar Order was affluent but had limited membership. Edward II was initially skeptical about the charges but later, influenced by the Pope and Inquisition, altered his view. In England, Templars initially received fair treatment, but many confessed under torture. In Ireland and Scotland, trials led to minor admissions.

Trials in Cyprus:

Post the 1291 Acre downfall, Templars relocated their headquarters to Cyprus. By May 1308, a papal directive called for the arrest of all Templars there. They complied, and their assets were confiscated. They awaited trial for three years. All denied the allegations, but many admitted guilt under coercion.

Relevant References:

• Council of Troyes (1129)
• Council of Pisa (1135)
• Military Order of Christ

Theories and Legacy

Following their dissolution, theories about the Templars' hidden treasures, secret rituals, and their connection to other secret societies like the Freemasons have flourished. One popular theory suggests that surviving Templars fled to Scotland, where they influenced the formation of the Scottish Rite Lodge. Their legacy can still be seen in modern pop culture, where they are often depicted as guardians of ancient secrets.

1. Templars and the Holy Grail:

   • Theory: One of the most enduring legends is that the Templars discovered the Holy Grail during their time in the Holy Land and hid it somewhere.
   • Reasons for Belief: This theory is fueled by the Templars' sudden rise to power and wealth, leading some to speculate that they must have found something of immense value. The Grail, being a symbol of divine grace, fits this narrative.

2. Templars and Freemasonry:

   • Theory: Some believe that the Templars, after their dissolution, went underground and later emerged as the Freemasons.
   • Reasons for Belief: Both groups share some similar symbols and rituals. Additionally, certain Masonic rites, especially within the Scottish Rite, have ceremonies that reference Templar history.

3. Templars in the New World:

   • Theory: There's a belief that the Templars might have traveled to the Americas before Columbus.
   • Reasons for Belief: Some point to certain stone structures and carvings in North America that resemble Templar symbols. The idea is further fueled by the mystery of the Oak Island Money Pit, where some speculate Templar treasure might be buried.

4. Templars and the Shroud of Turin:

   • Theory: Some theories suggest that the Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus, was once in the possession of the Templars.
   • Reasons for Belief: The timeline of the Shroud's appearance in historical records somewhat aligns with the Templars' activities in the Holy Land.

Mapping Their Journey

After their expulsion, it's believed that the Templars traveled throughout Europe, with some settling in places like Scotland, Portugal, and Spain. Their influence can still be seen in the architecture and legends of these regions.

1. Templars in Scotland:

   • Theory: After the Templar order was suppressed, many believe that some Templars fled to Scotland, finding refuge with Robert the Bruce.
   • Reasons for Belief: The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where the Scots won a surprising victory over the English, is sometimes attributed to the secret assistance of Templar knights.

2. Templars in Portugal:

   • Theory: Some Templars are believed to have relocated to Portugal and established the Order of Christ.
   • Reasons for Belief: King Dinis of Portugal provided protection to the Templars and helped in the formation of the Order of Christ. The Order's symbols and rituals have similarities with the Templars.

3. Templars in Spain:

   • Theory: Templars found refuge in certain regions of Spain, integrating with other knightly orders.
   • Reasons for Belief: The presence of Templar-inspired architecture and the merging of the Templars with the Order of Montesa in Spain support this theory.

These theories, while intriguing, are often based on circumstantial evidence, legends, and interpretations of historical events. It's essential to approach them with a critical mind, understanding that while they add to the Templars' mystique, definitive proof for many remains elusive.