The Knights Templar: An Introduction to history of the Order
By Hal Siemer
QuestMagazine.com
The Knights Templar were the largest and most powerful of the Medieval Christian crusading orders. They were originally known as The Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon.
History of the Order
The Templar Order was founded by nine knights in 1118 A.D. who created an order of 'warrior monks.' The Templars were begun in the aftermath of the First Crusade of 1096 A.D. to help the new Kingdom of Jerusalem defend itself against its hostile Muslim neighbors and to ensure the safety of the large numbers of European pilgrims who journeyed to Jerusalem. The Medieval Templar Order was officially ended in 1314 A.D. with the burning at the stake of the last official Grand Master, Jacques de Molay.
Mysteries
There is the mystery as to whether or not the Templars were guilty of the crimes of which they were accused. These included, but were not limited to, worship of the idol Baphomet and desecration of the crucifix. There is the legend that the Templars amassed large of amounts of esoteric knowledge and had mastered mystical practices. The Templars also possessed an immense amount of wealth which was never found and a Templar fleet sailed and was never officially heard from again.
The Templars and the Freemasons
Some historians and authors believe there is a link from the Knights Templar to Freemasonry, with some Masonic organizations claiming a direct descent from them. John J. Robinson makes a case for the Templar / Freemason connection in his book Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry. There are also legends about the Knights Templar and their quest for religious relics such as the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant. Some believe that the Templars passed to the Freemasons special knowledge of the Grail. Dr. Karen Ralls covers the Grail quest of the Templars in The Templars and the Grail: Knights of the Quest.
Grand Masters of the Knights Templar (1118 A.D. -1314 A.D.)
1. Hugues de Payens (1118-1136)
2. Robert de Craon (Robertus Burgundio) (1136-1146)
3. Everard des Barres (Ebrardus de Barris) (1146-1149)
4. Bernard de Tremelay (1149-1153)
5. Andre de Montbard (1153-1156)
6. Bertrand de Blanchefort (1156-1169)
7. Philippe de Milly (Philippus de Neapoli/de Nablus) (1169-1171)
8. Odo (Eudes) de St Amand (Odon de Saint-Chamand) (1171-1179)
9. Arnaud de Toroge (Arnaldus de Turre Rubea / de Torroja ) (1179-1184)
10. Gerard de Ridefort (1185-1189)
11. Robert de Sable (Robertus de Sabloloi) (1191-1193)
12. Gilbert Horal (Gilbertus Erail / Herail / Arayl / Horal / Roral) (1193-1200)
13. Phillipe de Plessis Plaissie / Plesse / Plessiez (1201-1208)
14. Guillaume de Chartres (Willemus de Carnoto) (1209-1219)
15. Pierre (Pedro) de Montaigu (Petrus de Monteacuto) (1219-1230)
16. Armand de Perigord (Hermannus Petragoricensis aka Hermann de Pierre-Grosse) (1232-1244)
17. Richard de Bures (1245-1247)
18. Guillaume de Sonnac (Guillelmus de Sonayo) (1247-1250)
19. Renaud de Vichiers (Rainaldus de Vicherio) (1250-1256)
20. Thomas Berard (1256-1273)
21. Guillaume de Beaujeu (Guillelmus de Belloico) (1273-1291)
22. Thibaud Gaudin (Thiband Ggandin) (1291-1292)
23. Jacques de Molay (1292-1314)
Hal Siemer is a historian, folklorist, religious researcher, writer, and the Editor of Quest Magazine. He has done extensive research on the Knights Templar, Freemasonry, ancient mysteries and Halloween and Christmas customs, traditions, and folklore. He founded and was president of a public policy think tank. He previously has worked as a lobbyist for nonprofit organizations and has been a political consultant.
Hal Siemer frequently is a guest on radio talk shows. His writing has appeared in the Dallas Morning News, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Austin Review, and other newspapers.
Hal Siemer's professional society memberships include the:
* American Anthropological Association
* American Folklore Society
* Medieval Academy of America
* Society for the Anthropology of Religion
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