The Knights Templar was an order of Christian knights founded in Jerusalem in 1119. The order's aim was to protect Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

In 1129 the Knights Templar were officially recognized by Pope Innocentius II, and in 1187 Jerusalem was conquered by the Muslims.

In 1307, the Knights Templar were accused of heresy and destroyed by King Philippe IV of France.

The founders of the order were four knights, Hugues de Payens, Geoffroy de Saint-Omer, André de Montbard and Baudoin de Bourgogne.

These knights met in Jerusalem during the Crusades and decided to form an order to protect Jerusalem.

The Knights Templar were initially a small group, but soon became one of the most powerful and wealthy orders in Europe. Members of the order wore a white robe and a red cross.

The Knights Templar's missions were: Protect Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Participate in the Crusades, Protect travelers and pilgrims, Engage in trade and banking

The Knights Templar were governed by a master, three assistant masters and a council. Members of the Order were sworn monks.

The Knights Templar had a strict discipline. Members took a lifelong vow of celibacy and had to abide by the rules of poverty and obedience.

Three personalities stand out in relation to the Knights Templar;

Hugues de Payens: Founder and first grand master of the Order

Bernard de Clairvaux: a monk who was one of the most important supporters of the Knights Templar

Philippe le Bel: King of France who destroyed the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar were one of the most important knightly orders of the Middle Ages. The order played an important role in protecting Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

They also participated in the Crusades and provided protection to travelers and pilgrims.

The Knights Templar also played an important role in trade and banking activities. The Order is considered the first international bank in Europe.

The fall of the Knights Templar caused a great uproar in Europe. Many legends and rumors spread about the secrets and treasures of the Order.

The Knights Templar are represented by several orders that continue to exist today. The most important of these orders is the New Knights Templar, founded in France in 1804.

The New Knights Templar aims to continue the history and traditions of the Knights Templar. The members of the Order live a disciplined life of Christian faith.

The Knights Templar were one of the most important knightly orders of the Middle Ages and their history and traditions remain popular today.