#004 Knights Templar – Protectors of Pilgrims
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Who were the Knights Templar, why where they formed and what is their legacy today?
After the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, many Christians made pilgrimages to pay homage to the sacred sites of the Holy Land. Although the city of Jerusalem was securely under Christian control, bandits and highwaymen attacked these pilgrims and hundreds of them were attacked and many slaughtered as they journeyed from the coastline at Jaffa into the Holy Land. To protect the pilgrims, the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, or to future generations, the Knights Templar was formed in January 1120. The captured Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount was given as headquarters to the order. The Temple Mount had mystical qualities because it was believed to be built on the ruins of the Temple of Solomon. These Crusaders thus referred to their headquarters as Solomon's Temple.
They were a charitable organisation with poor beginnings, but became a multi-national successful economic Christendom wide community. Jealous of their success, suspicious of their secrets and status, they were later outlawed by the same Roman Catholic organisation that brought them into existence at a time of need. Such a noble Order, however, inspired future generations of Templars and masonic organisations, especially during the eighteenth century. For most modern orders, religion is of least importance, but they do expect members to accept a Supreme Being and adhere to a noble code of conduct. Most help build better lives by creating opportunities, advancing healthcare and education and promoting independence for Freemasons, their families and the vulnerable members of society. They are funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families.