The history of the Knights Templar is surrounded by many secrets and conspiracy theories. We offer you to find out 9 curious facts about the soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, as the Templars called themselves.
1. At the peak of its popularity, the Knights Templar numbered about 20,000
This fact perfectly illustrates the power and prevalence of the order in the Middle Ages. Many of the members of the order were warriors, while others performed medical duties or oversaw various financial matters. All the Templars were subordinate to the High Master, who made all the most important decisions, although he was obliged to consult with his staff, which included the seneschal, his deputy, the marshal and other assistants.
2. The Templars, in fact, invented banks
Surprisingly, it was they who came up with the method of protecting finances that are used by all modern banking systems. In order to protect various pilgrims, travelers and merchants in the unsafe neighborhoods of Jerusalem, the knights have created a system in which everyone who travels to the Holy Land can bring any value to one of the local branches of the Templars. In exchange, they were given a letter, which could then be exchanged in any other branch of the Templars in the Holy Land in accordance with the value of goods in gold or in the equivalent of a precious metal.
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3. The Templars built many buildings throughout Europe
One of the main goals that the Knights Templar pursued was to provide the pilgrims with a safe passage to the Holy Land. For this, the knights built a huge number of castles, fortifications and other buildings throughout the European continent. Notable examples of surviving Templar buildings are Temple Church in London and Convent de Cristo Monastery in Portugal.
4. They had their own seal
As befits such a large and influential order, the Templars had their own seal. The traditional seal of the Templars depicts two knights on one horse, which is a symbol of the vow of poverty taken upon joining the order. The Templar seal was used instead of a signature to seal agreements and authenticate documents.
5. The Templars had their own uniforms
Each full member of the order could wear a white tunic with a red cross, which was one of the most recognizable symbols of the order. The white color of the tunic symbolized the integrity of the knight, and the blood-red cross meant the willingness to die in battle without losing dignity.
6. Joining the Templars was very difficult
To become a member of the order, a person first had to earn the attention and trust of someone from the command of the Templars. In addition, the requirements that were imposed on active members of the order regarding their lifestyle and behavior were very strict.
7. Despite the wealth, the life of the Templar was rather difficult
Members of the order were expected to show piety and humility in all areas of their lives. For example, the Templars were prescribed a vow of celibacy and were forbidden to have relationships with women.
8. The fortune of the order grew also due to wills
Most of the Templars, dying, left all their acquired property and land to the order. Considering that many of the Knights Templar managed to build entire castles in their lives, the order had fabulous wealth before its collapse.
9. Knights Templar most likely really defended the Holy Grail
According to rumors, in the Middle Ages, a bowl was found, which supposedly was the very one from which Jesus Christ drank at the last supper. Of course, only the Templars could be entrusted with guarding such a relic. Today we never know the whole truth, but in the Cathedral of Valencia you can see a bowl that looks suspiciously like the image of the Grail. Of course, it has no magical properties.