The Knights Templar: Persecution
Why were the Knights Templar persecuted? They were a major force in the Crusades and protected Christian pilgrims from being slaughtered during their long travels. They also had one of the largest banking systems in Europe during the height of their Order. Several countries considered them to be useful to them and they were on good terms with many royal families. So if they were such a reputable Order of Knights, why were they almost completely wiped out?
After the First Crusade in 1100 A.D, several Crusader states were established in the Holy Land. These Christianterritories did not have the essential military force needed to have a firm hold over their lands. Most Crusaders returned home after fulfilling their vows, leaving many hard-won areas nearly defenseless. As a result, Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem were repeatedly attacked by Muslim raiders. To combat this problem, a French knight by the name of Hugues de Payens founded the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (which is now called the Knights Templar). “It [the Knights Templar] was founded. . . to ensure the safety of the western Christians who made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem after its [Jerusalem’s] conquest. (The Knights Templars and their Fate. 2008.)”
The Knights Templar were essentially warrior monks that protected travelers, and defended their religion by force of arms. Upon acceptance into the order, a Templar Knight would donate all his lands and wealth to the Order and he would refuse all monetary benefits from helping someone. Although the Knights themselves did not have a penny to their name, due Page 2 to these donations, the Order fast became one of the wealthiest groups in Europe at the time. “Members of the Order managed a large economic infrastructure throughout Christendom, inventing or adapting financial
After the First Crusade in 1100 A.D, several Crusader states were established in the Holy Land. These Christianterritories did not have the essential military force needed to have a firm hold over their lands. Most Crusaders returned home after fulfilling their vows, leaving many hard-won areas nearly defenseless. As a result, Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem were repeatedly attacked by Muslim raiders. To combat this problem, a French knight by the name of Hugues de Payens founded the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (which is now called the Knights Templar). “It [the Knights Templar] was founded. . . to ensure the safety of the western Christians who made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem after its [Jerusalem’s] conquest. (The Knights Templars and their Fate. 2008.)”
The Knights Templar were essentially warrior monks that protected travelers, and defended their religion by force of arms. Upon acceptance into the order, a Templar Knight would donate all his lands and wealth to the Order and he would refuse all monetary benefits from helping someone. Although the Knights themselves did not have a penny to their name, due Page 2 to these donations, the Order fast became one of the wealthiest groups in Europe at the time. “Members of the Order managed a large economic infrastructure throughout Christendom, inventing or adapting financial