Knights Templar breastplate

Breastplate of the Knights Templar. The Order of the Poor Knights of Christ (Latin: Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Solomonici), commonly known as the Knights Templar or the Order of the Temple (French: Ordre du Temple or Templiers) was one of the most famous Christian military orders. This organization remained active for just under two centuries. It was founded in 1118 by nine French knights led by Hugo de Payens after the First Crusade. Its original purpose was to protect the lives of Christians who made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem after its conquest.

Officially endorsed by the Catholic Church in 1129, the Order of the Temple grew rapidly in size and power. The Knights Templar used as a badge a white cloak with a red cross drawn on it. Members of the Order of the Temple were among the best-trained military units to participate in the Crusades. Non-combatant members of the order managed a complex economic structure throughout the Christian world, creating new financial techniques that constitute a primitive form of the modern bank, and building a series of fortifications throughout the Mediterranean and the Holy Land.

The success of the Templars is closely linked to the Crusades; the loss of the Holy Land led to the disappearance of the Order's supporters. In addition, the rumors generated around the secret initiation ceremony of the Templars created great mistrust. Felipe IV of France, considerably indebted to the Order, began to pressure Pope Clement V in order for him to take action against its members. In 1307, a large number of Templars were arrested, induced to confess under torture, and subsequently burned at the stake. In 1312, Clement V gave in to Philip's pressure and dissolved the Order. The abrupt disappearance of its social structure gave rise to numerous speculations and legends, which have kept the name of the Knights Templar alive to this day.

Place of manufacture: Toledo (Spain)