History of Knights Templar

The knights Templar were founded in 1119 B.C. by two men after the first Christian Crusade. The knights were known as the order of the poor Knights of Christ. They are also known as the Knights of Solomon or the knights Templar. Their initial aim was to protect the pilgrims visiting Palestine after the first crusade.

The order developed from a small military band formed in Jerusalem in 1119 by two French knights, Hugh des Payens (1070?-1136) and Godfrey of St. Omar (1061-after 1120); its aim was to protect pilgrims visiting Palestine after the first crusade. (http:// www.history.com) Some people like to think of the knights as the Knights of Solomon because their first living quarters were the temple of Solomon. The knights were headed by a grand master under which were three ranks: knight, chaplains, and sergeant.

The knights dedicated their lives to guarding Jerusalem after the first crusade. The order was ostensibly dedicated to a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience which would ultimately (they hoped) lead to a martyred death on the battlefield. ( http://home.gwi.net/) Martyred means that a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion.

The band of knights was very well disciplined as well as obedient to their devotion to a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience. A fundamental difference between the Templars and their secular counterparts was the submission of free will. This important characteristic of modern armies was not present in secular medieval forces. Secular knights tended to be very independent. They were responsible for their own gear, squires and upkeep, and were brought together on campaign only for a short time each year. (http://www.templarhistory.com) The knights took very basic tactical structure but they did it with such efficiency that it could be devastating.