English

The Knights Templar

In the book Martin covers the history of what had become the most powerful military religious Order of the Middle Ages. Formed to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land following the success of the First Crusade, the Templars rapidly gained wealth, lands and influence and were answerable only to the Pope. In addition to having a fearful military reputation, they invented the modern banking system still in use today. Seemingly untouchable for nearly two centuries, the Templars fell from grace spectacularly after the loss of the Holy Land: in 1307, all Templars in France were arrested on charges of heresy, homosexuality, denial of the cross and devil worship. The Order was suppressed by the Pope in 1312, and Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master, was burnt at the stake.

Sign in with your free account to read, download EPUBs or listen.