Monks and the’ Knights Templar’

Who were the Knights Templar?

The Knights Templar were one of the most feared armies in the middle ages. They were so fearsome that they were sent in as shock troops to scare the living daylights out of their enemies!

knights templar crusades

The Knights Templar specialized in breaking up the enemies front-lines of troops, thus creating gaps in enemy lines that could be exploited.

The Templar knights would also strike ‘the fear of god into enemy lines’, this would demoralize the enemy whilst boosting their own armies confidence.

Medieval Cavalry Shields of the KnightsTemplars

But did you Know that the Order of the Knights Templar originated from a small group of medieval Monks?


How did Peaceful Monks become a Fearsome Fighting Force?

Medieval Monks were normally peaceful people who led a monastic life, however that all changed during a period of Islamic rule in the holylands. These same medieval monks wanted to protect their fellow Christians!

Knights Templar Costume Crusades

The holy lands had become a dangerous place for a Christian people to be wandering around, so a group of monks decided to protect a bunch of Christians as they bathed in the River Jordan.

The-Crusades-Holylands-jerusalem-Temple-Rock-Dome

Little did they know at the time that from these humble beginnings the Knights Templar would be formed and go on to be one of the most famous and feared forces in history.

crusader knights armour

These monks were the beginnings of the new military orders of the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller and Teutonic knights!


New Military Orders *Purpose

  • To protect Christian pilgrims in a hostile environment (holy lands)
  • Fulfill a desire of medieval knights who wanted to live a monastic existence
  • Fight to re-claim areas of the holylands lost to Islamic forces

crusader knight

The Knights Templar led a strange dual existence, they led a peaceful monastic existence at home, yet they were a fearsome fighting force in the ‘real world’ outside!

Crusader-Knights-Knights-Hospitaller

Knights Hospitaller

The other ‘Hospitaller and Teutonic orders’ were also capable of fighting and defending Christians yet their role was more geared towards looking after the sick, hence the name ‘Hospitaller’ where we get the modern name ‘Hospitals’.

Flag of Teutonic Knights

 Teutonic Knights


Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Much of the subsequent success of the Knights Templar and other orders can be attributed to ‘Saint Bernard of Clairvaux’who helped the order gain recognition and respect, this led to the Knights Templar and other orders gaining approval from the papacy around the years 1123 – 1128

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

This approval from the papacy and recognition led to massive donations of land, castles and treasures from Europe’s elite’s who were sympathetic with the cause!

Vatican Rome

Vatican Rome