The Knights Templar were the most powerful and wealthy military orders to come out of the Crusades.Originally founded around 1120 to protect Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land, these warrior monks eventually assumed greater power in the region. While the brothers personally swore an oath of poverty, by the mid-12th century the order itself had grown rich, even serving as a bank to kings.
However, their wealth, influence and extensive landholdings eventually bred resentment. Following accusations of blasphemy, on Friday 13 October 1307, King Philip IV ordered the arrest of every Templar in France. This began the destruction of the order, with Templars persecuted across Europe, their lands seized and their last grand master, Jacques de Molay, burned at the stake.
The Knights Templar have been recently brought back to life for Knightfall, a new drama on History UK. The show goes deep into the clandestine world of the legendary brotherhood, from their battles in the Holy Land to their tragic dissolution.
To ensure factual accuracy, popular British historian Dan Jones served as a consultant on the show. Perhaps better known as a TV presenter for documentaries, Jones is also the author of the critically acclaimed bestseller The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors, published by Head of Zeus.
Thanks to History UK, we have five copies of Dan Jones’s The Templars to give away to tie-in with All About History issue 69’s cover feature on the Crusader kings. For a chance to win, just answer the following question. Competition closes 11 October 2018.