Knights Templar – Code of Conduct

The members of the Order were required to strictly adhere to a code of conduct which came to be called the ‘Latin Rule’.

This required the knights to wear a white surcoat with a red cross on the chest and to wear this garment at all times. They were required to eat in silence, never eat meat more than thrice in a week, and sever all connections with any women.

Knights Templar Code of Conduct Latin Rule Templar Flag

The Knights Templar was an Order established in the early 12th century in order to protect Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land.

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

The Order proved a formidable force during the early battles of the Crusades and was critical in helping Christian armies secure their victory.

Over time, Knights Templar grew into a vast organization with immense resources under its control and political autonomy in many matters.

It continued to exist and operate after the Crusades but came to an end when French King Philip IV launched an inquisition against the Order in the early 14th century.

King Philippe IV Famous Medieval Kings King of France

Backed by the Papal authority, Philip had the leading members of the Order burned at the stake and the assets of the Order seized.

Knights Templar Burned at The Stake

Knights Templar Grandmasters Burned at the Stake

Knights Templar Code of Conduct Fast Facts

  • The Knights Templar Order was established in the 12th century to protect Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
  • Members of the Order had to follow a strict code of conduct.
  • The Code of Conduct the Templars followed was called the ‘Latin Rule’.

History of the Knights Templar Jacques de Molay

  • As part of the ‘Latin Rule’ Templars were required to wear a white surcoat with the Famous red cross symbolism.
  • The Templars had to wear their white surcoat at all times. Templars were required to sit in silence when eating meals.
  • Templar knights could not eat meat more than thrice in any given week.

crusader knight

  • Templars were not allowed to have communications with women.
  • Templar Knights were critical in helping Christian armies secure their victory.
  • Knights Templar grew into vast banking and financial organization with a network of financial institutions.

Templar Red and White Flag

  • The Knights Templar’s power declined over time and ended early in the 14th century.
  • French King Philip IV launched an inquisition against the Order Backed by the Papal authority.
  • The Templars were charged with heresy, and devil worship and sentenced to death by Burning.

Knights Templar Burned at The Stake

  • King Philip had the leading members of the Order burned at the stake and the assets of the Order seized.
  • King Philip was in great financial debt to the Templars at the time he sentenced them to death.

Medieval Witchcraft Burned at the Stake