Order of the Temple
The "Order of the Temple," also known as the Knights Templar, was a medieval Christian military order founded in 1119. Its primary mission was to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades. The Templars became known for their distinctive white mantles adorned with a red cross and gained significant wealth and power throughout Europe.
The order established a network of fortifications and banking systems, which contributed to their influence. However, in the early 14th century, the Templars faced persecution, leading to their dissolution by Pope Clement V in 1312. Their legacy continues to intrigue historians and the public alike.