THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

 

They might be more famous today for their cameos in The Da Vinci Code and Assassin’s Creed, but in real history the Knights Templar were a complex multi-national organisation just as concerned with economics as warfare. The order was initially set up in Jerusalem to protect pilgrims, who would attempt to make dangerous journeys between cities and sites of interest in the Holy Land. But as the brand of the military order developed, these crusaders soon found themselves wielding power and influence across the kingdoms of medieval Europe. In this video Dan Snow speaks to medieval historian and author of 'The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy Warriors' to explore what really made the military order such a powerful and influential force during the Middle Ages. The interview is filmed at Temple Church in London, the headquarters of the Knights Templar in England.