I’ve had a few questions and comments about our itinerary. Specifically, what’s up with our fascination with the Knights Templar. Who are the Knights Templar? Are they a Portuguese boy band? No!

I’ve been fascinated by the Knights Templar since I was back in my 20’s. That’s a long time ago in case you’re wondering. I had read about them in connection with my first job as a bookkeeper. They developed the first real banking system and were instrumental in the beginning of accounting systems.

I know, boring. But, that’s not the real allure of the Knights Templar. Read on…

The Knights Templar – shorthand for the Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Jerusalem – were founded by French Knight Hugues de Payens around 1119 to protect Christian pilgrims on the roads of Palestine following the First Crusade. The group was named for its original headquarters on the Temple Mount. Members were often called “warrior monks,” since they fought on the front line of the Crusades and swore oaths of chastity, poverty and obedience.

So with the blessing of the Pope, they provided protection for the pilgrims. This is where the nerdy accountant stories come from. They would take a pilgrim’s gold or silver and give them a promissory note. When the person arrived in the Holy City, they could turn that note in to the Templars and receive their valuables back – minus a fee for the protection of their valuables. They basically created the first banking and accounting systems to keep track of the transactions.

However, it is said that while they were in the holy city, they also were digging below what was once the Temple of Solomon seeking religious relics. Many people believe that they found some very valuable treasures which they promised to protect.

As the years went by, the Knights Templar became wealthy and would lend money to many people, including the King of France – Phillip IV or Philip the Fair. Since he was heavily in debt to the Templars, he schemed to avoid paying them back by claiming they were guilty of heresy and blasphemy to his friend Pope Clement V with the intention of claiming their lands and money. While the Pope’s inquisition into the matter eventually found them innocent, an angry Philip would not abide by the ruling.

King Phillip had all members of the order rounded up and arrested on Friday, October 13, 1307. He accused them of heresy and many other trumped up charges. He expected to take their treasure, but alas, the Templars had outsmarted him and secreted the treasures out of France.

What treasures, you ask? Many people believe that among the treasures were the Ark of the Covenant, the Golden Menorah, the Spear of Destiny, ancient scrolls, gold and silver.

The imprisoned Knights were tortured and gave false confessions to avoid the tortures. Meanwhile, Jacques de Molay, the Grandmaster of the Templars, held steadfast and refused to give in to King Philip. He was imprisoned and tortured for seven years before eventually being burned at the stake by the vengeful King.

Interestingly, in his dying words, it’s said that Jacques de Molay cursed both men. He proclaimed that both the King and the Pope would be dead within a year for their actions. And they were. Phillip died of a stroke and Pope Clement died from an illness within a year.

In the meantime, the treasures that the Templars had found or accumulated had been whisked out of France before they could be confiscated. Many believe that they were moved to Portugal, London, Scotland and perhaps to the new world of North America. But they’ve never been found or at least it’s never been publicly revealed.

Despite the crackdown, the Knights Templar did not disappear. Many of the remaining knights went into hiding and took up with the Freemasons or other guilds. Some others moved on to Portugal, where they continued on as members of the Order of Christ.

The base of the Knights Templar was located in Tomar, Portugal. The Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ were built beginning in 1160 and remain as part of the Templar legacy, along with the Almourol Castle.

So what ever happened to the “treasures” of the Knights Templar? Good question. Nobody knows for sure; however there is much speculation. People believe that some of the money may have been used to fund the exploration of North America or to fund the American Revolution. Others say it is still hidden away. There are still others who don’t believe that there is or ever was a treasure.

It’s a story full of intrigue that has been romanticized through the ages. Some people say that the Knights Templar are waiting to rise again with secrets and knowledge that they have tightly guarded through the ages. Others think that the resurgence is nothing more than a bunch of guys playing dress up so they can meet their friends for beer. You have to decide what you think for yourself.

We find the Knights Templar story to be intriguing, with much evidence that suggests they are historically significant. We can’t wait to see and learn more about them. We’ve found a guide who is very knowledgeable about religious history and especially religious history and symbolics during the middle ages, so we are excited for our time in Tomar.

We’ve been to France, London and Scotland to visit some significant Templar related sights. Portugal – especially Tomar – will be the crown jewel.