art and culture in medieval europe knights

Throughout the years, various tales have surfaced about the knights’ mysterious work. These groups have representatives around the world and aim to uphold the values and traditions of the original medieval order. In the 18th century, some groups, most notably the Freemasons, revived several of the medieval knights’ symbols, rituals and traditions.Ĭurrently, there are several international organizations styled after the Knights Templar that the public can join.

While most historians agree that the Knights Templar fully disbanded 700 years ago, there are some people who believe the order went underground and remains in existence in some form to this day. The church claims that Pope Clement was pressured by secular rulers to destroy the order. The Catholic Church has acknowledged that the persecution of the Knights Templar was unjustified. Read exclusive excerpts from the best-selling book, “The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors” here Their fearless style of fighting became a model for other military orders. The Templars built numerous castles and fought – and often won – battles against Islamic armies. READ MORE: 10 Reasons Why The Knights Templar Were History’s Fiercest Fighters The group developed a reputation as fierce fighters during the Crusades, driven by religious fervor and forbidden from retreating unless significantly outnumbered. They became defenders of the Crusader states in the Holy Land and were known as brave, highly skilled warriors.

Though its original purpose was to protect pilgrims from danger, the Knights Templar progressively expanded its duties. Many of them, however, were robbed and killed as they crossed through Muslim-controlled territories during their journey.Īt the height of their influence, the Templars boasted a sizable fleet of ships, owned the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, and served as a primary bank and lending institution to European monarchs and nobles. Who Were the Knights Templar?Īfter Christian armies captured Jerusalem from Muslim control in 1099 during the Crusades, groups of pilgrims from across Western Europe started visiting the Holy Land. A wealthy, powerful and mysterious order that has fascinated historians and the public for centuries, tales of the Knights Templar, their financial acumen, their military prowess and their work on behalf of Christianity during the Crusades still circulate throughout modern culture. The Knights Templar was a large organization of devout Christians during the medieval era who carried out an important mission: to protect European travelers visiting sites in the Holy Land while also carrying out military operations.

Art and culture in medieval europe knights