'The Knights Templar were probably the single most important influence in the ultimate development of the world we inhabit today.' So stated the authors Alan Butler and Stephen Dafoe in their much-acclaimed work 'The Warriors and the Bankers'. But where did they come from, these mysterious white mantled Knights of Christ, and were they simply a reflection of early twelfth century Christian thinking? This is a question that Butler and Dafoe set out to answer - the discoveries they made are going to cause a dramatic reassessment of the whole period relating to the First Crusade and far beyond. The true genesis of the Knights Templar belongs far back in time, long before Christianity even developed. Latterly the Templars were an offshoot of a little understood monastic brotherhood - the Cistercians, who themselves danced to the tune of an extremely powerful group of individuals inhabiting Burgundy and Flanders from the time of the Romans onwards. Butler and Dafoe offer a detailed account of the rise of a specific group identified as 'the Troyes Fraternity', that did not simply respond to the caprices of history - they created it! Behind the Knights Templar lay a belief pattern almost as old as humanity and a heritage that was already ancient before recorded history began. The story is both fascinating and compulsive. It will leave the reader in no doubt as to the true intentions of the Knights Templar, or of the shadowy but immensely influential organization that brought them into being. Prepare to be both surprised and shocked. The story within these pages has never been told before and its implications on our view of orthodox history are staggering.
Alan Butler is an established author, historian, and researcher with a career spanning several decades. His work primarily focuses on uncovering historical mysteries, especially those related to ancient civilizations, astronomy, astrology, and comparative religion. Early in his career, Butler worked as an engineer, a background he credits with shaping his meticulous approach to historical inquiry. Over time, he transitioned to writing and researching full-time, exploring topics such as the Knights Templar, goddess worship, Freemasonry, and the role of astronomy in ancient societies. Butler has co-authored several influential books with Christopher Knight, including Civilization One, which examines ancient measuring systems, and Who Built the Moon?, which delves into the Moon's unique characteristics and its connection to Earth's history. His solo works include The Knights Templar: Their History and Myths Revealed, The Virgin and the Pentacle, and Sheep, a unique exploration of the cultural significance of sheep throughout history. Apart from writing, Butler has written plays for BBC Radio and participated in television documentaries. He lives in Northern England with his wife, where he continues his research and writing on historical enigmas. Butler is also a noted speaker at seminars and events focused on ancient studies and esoteric topics.