Militant Monks
The Knights Templar, a military order of monks answerable only to the Pope
himself, were founded in 1118. Their primary responsibility, at least
initially, was to provide protection to Christians making pilgrimages to the
Holy Land. They rose in power, both religious and secular, to become one of
the richest and most powerful entities in Christendom. By the time of their
disbandment in 1307, this highly secretive organization controlled vast
wealth, a fleet of merchant ships, and castles and estates spanning the
entire Mediterranean area.
When the crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Muslims in 1099, the Church
encouraged all faithful Christians to visit that holy city in order to
affirm ...
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the Augustinian order. [Upton-Ward 1]
The order languished in near-anonimity for several years, despite generous
contributions from various European personages. In 1126, Count Hugh of
Champagne, having donated his estates to Bernard of Clairvaux for use in
building a monestary for the Cistercian order, arrived in Jerusalem to join
the Templars. This action indirectly obligated Bernard to support the newly
chosen advocacy of his benefactor. He wrote to the count, "If, for God's
work, you have changed yourself from count to knight and from rich to poor,
I congratulate you." [Howarth 49]
In the year 1126, King Baldwin found two reasons for wanting official
recognition of the order. First, he had, perhaps prematurely, bestowed upon
Hugh de Payens the title of Master of the Temple. Second, the king had the
opportunity to launch an attack on the city of Damascus, but he needed more
knights. Papal recognition would allow open recruiting in Europe for the
order. King ...
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combine religious
and military endeavors. Through such organizations, the borders of
Christendom could be extended and fortified. He immediately granted his
approval of the plan and pledged his full support. He petitioned Pope
Honorius II for a special council to consider the matter, and he notified
Hugh of his actions. [Howarth 51]
The Council of Troyes convened on January 13, 1128, a bitterly cold Saint
Hilary's Day, for the primary purpose of considering the request of the
Knights Templar. Despite the delays of written communications, Hugh de
Payens, accompanied by several brother knights, arrived from the Holy Land
in time to attend the meetings of the Council. [Howarth 51]
...
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"Militant Monks." Essayworld.com. September 19, 2006. Accessed April 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Militant-Monks/52638.
"Militant Monks." Essayworld.com. September 19, 2006. Accessed April 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Militant-Monks/52638.
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