Tonight on NBC another movie will appear similar in nature to The DaVinci Code. It is based on the book, The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury. The movie obviously will contribute to the questions surrounding the ancient military order. Many fictional and factual books have been published attempting to explain the mysteries of these crusading knights. One of the most popular studies of the Templars is Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln.
The book by Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln asks the question on which the mysterious legend is based:
“Who and what were the Knights Templar? Were they merely what they appeared to be, or were they something else? Were they simple soldiers onto whom an aura of legend and mystification was subsequently based?”
The Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon was founded in 1118. Its founder was Hugues de Payen, a nobleman from Champagne. The objective of the Templars was to keep the roads safe for the pilgrims visiting Jerusalem which at the time was in control of Christians. At the time there were nine knights and for a long period of time they admitted no one to their order.
They moved into lavish quarters in the palace of the King of Jerusalem. According to tradition their quarters were over the remains of King Solomon’s Temple and from their living place they derived their name. Because they resided over the remains of this rich, elaborate temple, caused many to question whether they truly were impoverished, chaste and humble warriors for Christ when in fact to many they appeared arrogant and rich. In fact they were rich, because they owned estates in most European countries, although when entering the order they were obliged to relinquish all their wealth and land holdings.
Although their behavior and chaste commitment were questionable, they played a major role when the west was forced to try to recapture the Holy Land from the Saracens. They were the most organized and disciplined of all the knights and foot soldiers who fought to recapture the land. They wore white surcoats and cloaks, and later a red cross was emblazoned on their garments. The white clad Templars could be seen protecting the rearguard and van of all Crusader marches. They were efficient and powerful soldiers–the best of fighters with the sword and lance. They sacrificed their lives for the cause. 300 Templars were executed at Hattin by Saladin, the well known Saracen leader.
Were they the best of the Medieval knights or the worst? Perhaps they were both. Regardless, they have aroused a curiosity regarding their past. Replica Knights Templar swords, shields and clothing are some of the most popular among Medieval collectors and reenactors.