Hattin and the Templars’ Last Stand
A look at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 and the Templars’ last stand—desperate charges, the collapse of the crusader army, and Saladin’s revenge.
Victory in Death: The Templars at Cresson
In May 1187, the Templars were annihilated at the Springs of Cresson in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Explore how the order turned catastrophe into a story of martyrdom and “victory in death,” on the eve of Hattin.
The Failed Hit at Mont Gisard: The Templars against Saladin
At the Battle of Mont Gisard in 1177, the Templars came within yards of killing Saladin. This feature looks at the near-assassination, the shock of the Frankish charge, and how Saladin sought revenge in the years that followed.
New Medieval Books: Assassins and Templars
When it comes to the crusading era, few groups have been more mythologised than the Knights Templar and the Ismailis—often labelled the “Assassins.” This book takes a fresh look at both, showing not only how their histories have been shaped by legend, but also how—and why—they could resemble each other in surprising ways.
Assassins and Templars at War – Ambushes and Ambassadors
A dramatic ambush derailed a potential alliance between the Crusaders and the Assassins, plunging the Kingdom of Jerusalem into crisis. This article explores the negotiations, the killing of the Nizari envoy and the political fallout that followed.
Fear and Loathing in Lebanon – Assassins, Templars and the World’s Most Toxic Landlord-Tenant Relationship
On the volatile crusader frontier of Tripoli, the Templars became the new “landlords,” taking over castles and villages to defend Christendom. Their unwilling neighbours—the Nizari Assassins—responded with a century of assassinations, raids, and uneasy tribute in one of history’s most toxic landlord-tenant relationships.
Assassins and Templars: The Strategy of Death
Discover how the Assassins and Templars used fear, fanaticism, and the strategy of death to survive and shape power during the Crusades.
Did the Knights Templar Betray Christendom?
The Knights Templar, shrouded in both reverence and suspicion, have long been a subject of intrigue. While the accusations of Satanism are among the most dramatic charges levied against them, claims of treachery and betrayal have also left an indelible mark on their legacy.
Did the Templars Have a Secret Treasure?
Then as now, when people mentioned the Templars, their minds often turned to the prospect of treasure. And it was only a short step from the idea of treasure to the sins of greed and avarice.
Templars on the Run: Myths, Facts, and What Really Happened
One of the richest seams for conspiracists is the idea that there were large numbers of ‘Templar renegades’ roaming around Europe and the Middle East in the aftermath of the order’s suppression, doing whatever outlandish idea might come to mind in a pub.
Were the Templars a Secret Cult?
Were the Templars truly secretive satanic worshippers, or is that just a myth perpetuated by conspiracy theories? Dive into the surprising evidence that reveals how this famed medieval order was far more open and integrated into society than legend suggests.
The Knights Templar in Battle: Fanatics or Pragmatists?
Modern-day media typically presents Templar Knights as hate-filled fanatics, frothing with rage, and charging recklessly into combat. This is certainly the impression given by many contemporary books and films on the subject, but is this verdict accurate?
Did the Knights Templar Keep a Pet Crocodile? A Medieval Mystery Unveiled
The Knights Templar, renowned for their military prowess and mystique, may have had an unusual companion at their headquarters in Acre—a pet crocodile.…
The Death of a Templar Master
The Templars were forbidden to engage in fighting against other Christians. Shockingly, however, the Templar Master Brian le Jay died fighting for Edward I against the Scots in 1298. How was this possible and what did it mean?
Templars and the Royal Navy
The Templars played an important, but almost unknown, role in the formation of the English navy under King John and Henry III.
Have Sword Will Travel: The Templars as Military Consultants
We tend to think of the Templars as warriors, but with the caveat that they could not fight against fellow Christians. There were exceptions, however. Even the Templars could act as hands-off mercenaries in the murky world of medieval politics.
King John and the Templars: Strange Times, Strange Partners
The extraordinary story of how the Templars stepped up to act as diplomats for England’s least diplomatic king.
British Templars at War – The Doomed Band of 1185-1187
The British Templars were not just bankers, diplomats and estate managers – many were swept up in the disastrous events unfolding in the Holy Land in 1187
William Marshal – Templar and Crusader?
Doubts have been raised about William Marshal’s career as a crusader – but what was the truth behind the claims?
The Templars and Saladin
The fight between Saladin and the Templars was personal – a relationship based on a toxic blend of fear, grudging respect and animosity.
Templars in Ireland: Colonialism and Conquest?
The Templar presence in Ireland was far less nationalistic than has often been supposed – the international order had its own unique agenda.
Robert of Sablé: From British Templar to Video Game Villain
Templar master, trusted admiral and skilled diplomat, Robert of Sablé had a chequered past – but he does not deserve the parody reputation that has emerged as a product of modern video gaming.
The Templars and the Murder of Becket
The Templars wanted peace in the West – but if that was not possible, they could turn moral outrage into money for the defence of the East.
The Templars and the Two Mathildas
Even the Templars, one of the medieval world’s most masculine institutions, were eager to get in touch with their feminine side when money and power was at stake.