The Knights Templar: An Enthralling History of the Rise and Fall of the Most Influential Catholic Military Order

by Billy Wellman

Did you know the Templar Order was so strict that its members could only have meat three times a week?

The Knights Templar has established itself as the most popular military organization of medieval times. Everyone has heard of the order, and everyone is familiar with the image of a medieval Crusader knight with a red cross on their white uniform. But who exactly were the Templars? What was their purpose? And are the rumors about their secretive nature true?

This book will take a look at the two-hundred-year history of the Knights Templar. We will cover how the order was established and why it transformed from a Christian military organization into something much more.

In this book, you will learn about the events from the 11th to the early 14th centuries and how they shaped the orderDifferent actors, from kings to ordinary knights, who defined the Knights TemplarThe Templars’ involvement in the military endeavors of the known worldWhat caused the rise and downfall of the Order of the Knights TemplarThe truth behind Templar allegations and its secretive natureThe twisted Templar legacy and how it changed the way we viewed the world forever
Buckle up to find out more about one of the most influential organizations of its time. It is time to dive into the history of the infamous Knights Templar.

So scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the Knights Templar!

Genres: History, Nonfiction

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2022

Reviews

[Kaj Samuelsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had a good grasp on what the Knights Templar was, but I was definitely in for a surprise. I knew some of the names and what they did, but had no idea about the complicated political maneuvers and motivations of some of the kings and nobles and even the popes at the time of the Knights Templar.

[Sheila Zinck · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was time to brush up on this section of history. I liked it, but now I want to go through it again and look up some of the people and events to get the full story.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 rating. Very informative but at times confusing because of so many people and places mentioned without much explanation or details. Evil King Philip IV is an example of why monarchs shouldn't rule. The downfall of the Knights was due to the greed of one man, a powerful man who used torture, forced confessions, false accusations, and the burning at the stake. Also learned about crusades.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before telling the two-hundred-year story of the Knights Templar, Enthralling History sets the scene. I am sorry that I can only give this book five stars because this explains the whole enchilada regarding Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church history, the history of the three popes, and the Great Schism. Believe it or not, this is the intro to the main event! Before reading this book, I did not realize how important the Crusades were to world history. We all know that the Crusades had a peripheral result; Europeans were introduced to Eastern spices and luxury goods. This would set the stage for Christopher Columbus generations later.

While Pope Urban II tried to reinforce his position as the legitimate pope, he worked to repair relations with the Eastern Church and the Byzantine Empire. Four (of the five) most important Christian holy sites were under Byzantine control. That included Jerusalem, Constantinople, Antioch, and Alexandria. However, Muhammad's successors overran Byzantine positions and took away three of the essential Christian cities (all except Constantinople). The Muslims allowed Christians to continue to visit the Holy Lands until the Seljuk Turks conquered the caliphate. They were not tolerant of people of other religions.

Alexios, leader of the Byzantines asked Pope Urban for help. The Christians answered Urban's call, leading to the Crusades. Even though the first Crusade was successful, it was still not safe for pilgrims to go to the Holy Land. The new Latin kingdoms of the East needed a group of individuals who would devote their lives to the cause of defending all Christians in the Holy Land. The remaining chapters explain how the Knights Templar were formed, how they operated, and what brought their organization down.

At their inception, the Knights Templar were warrior monks. They also took on the role of chastity and poverty. The end of the Templars was shocking and traumatic.

[Chet Slonina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read abound the founding of a Catholic military order for protecting pilgrims in the Holy Land that started in the early 1100s. The Knights were feared until their demise by stronger powers in the early 1300s. The Knights started an early banking system well trusted by many for its security and reputation. knights words simple clothing of white showing this poverty, chastity and a religious life. The red cross was added later for symbolism. The legends live on today of hidden wealth and Masonic rites which still have many believers thinking of hidden treasures and special societies that still exist today. This is an interesting history giving way to what may still be hidden about the Knights Templar.

[Me Meshelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, (Knights Templar) were formed just after the First Crusade.
Over a two-hundred-year period, they became one of the most influential, organized and wealthiest military organizations in Europe and Asia. Their downfall was orchestrated by those who were envious of their stature and covetous of their holdings.they were vastly wealthy.
There is more to them than what has been written i enjoyed this book. The King of France was a piece of work and the conspiracies that spawned from them after are embarrassing especially to the people who believe them.

[Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Is All You Have To Say?

The usual complaint I have about this series. There is no depth. Well, there is no depth where the reader may want depth. Battles, wars, crusades, plenty of information down to the number of fighters on each side. But when it comes to the real mystery of the Templers you learn no more than you already knew. If that much. And this is typical of all the books in this series. I swear I will never buy another, but here comes one on a subject I would like to know more about, and it’s free. What to do?

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book.
Ever since I started watch the series on Oak Island the Knights Templar history has captivated me. Here is a group who grew to become the bank pretty much of world yet were brought down by one man do betrayal of these men who had served their God and king. I enjoyed this book and I think it was written well. It is full of interesting information. If you are a history buff like me I think you will enjoy this book too.

[William O. Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great review on why the Crusades came about and how Catholic monasteries and orders originated--or secret societies. This book provides a solid foundation on the beginnings of these institutions and some of the disturbing details of how some evolved and remains today.

[karl moeslein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a lot to learn from this story

I love reading about history and this book was full of things I never would think about the Templars. Well written and the kind of book that makes you lose sleep because you are constantly saying one more chapter.

[Miriah Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than I Ever Realized

I was held captive in reading about all the Knights Templar activities and achievements! And in understanding their downfall! After hearing of them for years, it was gratifying to finally understand the part they played in history!

[Bonnie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read

Lot's of history of the middle ages. A lot of wars and killing so a bit much for me. I did enjoy learning as much as I could, especially the banking side of all the information.

[Nathan Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good starting book to understand the Knights better, a significant amount of information that opened up to new ideas, persons and places I hadn’t come across previously. Will be reading more on this topic going forward.

[Kdcontorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

glad I found this!

This was a great read.. so many details I’d forgotten as well as those I didn’t know. Enlightening as well. Highly recommend this read.

[Susan J Benna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Read

Very entertaining. Enjoyed the historical development of the Templars. Just enough detail is provided to help bring to light the life story of a mysterious order.

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Knights Templar, a brief look at their rise and fall. A good place to start.

[Jane Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religious or Righteous?

The Knights Templar are a fascinating study. Hard to form a solid identity of who or what they really were.

[Mark Gannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going nowhere with this book. Didn't capture my interest.

[Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

I read it but don't think I retain anything. There's a lot of information and hard to keep track of. But if you just want to casually read about the Knights Templar it's interesting.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granular retelling with no fluff (which is what I wanted). Only 4 stars bc several people + places are mentioned without context (which I need haha).