Hugh of Payns was a French knight born around 1070, best known as one of the founding members of the Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order. He played a crucial role in establishing the order in 1119, which aimed to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land after the First Crusade. As the first Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Hugh of Payns helped shape the organization’s rules and structure. Under his leadership, the Templars gained significant influence and wealth, becoming a key player in the Crusades and the defense of Christian territories in the Middle East.