Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon
The "Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon," commonly known as the Knights Templar, was a medieval Christian military order founded around 1119. Their primary mission was to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land after the First Crusade. 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 developed early banking systems, allowing them to manage resources effectively. However, their influence led to suspicion and envy, culminating in their suppression by King Philip IV of France in 1307. The Templars were accused of heresy, leading to trials and executions, effectively ending the order.