The Knights Templar

Time for the Medieval/Renaissance class has rolled around again. The class really covers more of a period of time than two distinct eras. We will begin with the conversion of Constantine and end with the Scientific Revolution. My survey students have always loved the stories about the Knights Templar, even before Dan Brown made a mockery of their devotion and service. We will be reading an interesting book about the Templars by Stephen Howarth (The Knights Templar). I think the class will like this work.

So much has been said about the Templars, but really, so little is known. We know that they began as a unique blended order of military and monk. They took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They came into being in the year 1118 in Jerusalem to defend the Holy land and make the way safe for pilgrims who wished to there journey.

They were trusted, but mysterious. They were also, unfortunately for them, very popular with the people. This popularity was a threat to the evil King of France, Philip the Fair (the "Fair" adjective applying to Philip's handsome features, not his disposition). In a single night in 1307, these most noble of warriors were arrested. Over a terrible seven-year period, they were charged with ridiculous crimes, tortured and executed. The leader of the Knights, the Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, recanted his forced confession and faced the cruel fires that ended his life. The King watched as his own guilt was reflected in the death-fires of an innocent man.

Many consider Philip the Fair a hero, the first of the modern kings who bent the will of the Church to his own. I see him in no such light. He proved that ambition was his god, and in so doing, seemed to set the trend for many a leader to come.