Jacques de Molay the 23rd and final Grand Master of The Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, better know as The Knights Templar.

The Knights Templar formed in 1119 and quickly rose in power and wealth. With help from the church they were able to amass a fortune in money and property. They were fierce warriors of God that set out to protect the Holy Land and Christian pilgrims.

Lead by Jacques de Molay in the late 13th Century the Knights Templar were the wealthiest institution in Europe. They revolutionized the banking industry, granting lines of credit and loaning money to the Nobles and Kings of Europe.

King Philip IV of France, with the help of Pope Clement V, plotted to dissolve the Templar Order, seize their treasure and rule a new Order of Knights. On Friday the 13th, October 1307 King Philip arrested Jacques de Molay and thousands of Knights Templar all across France. The Knights were tortured until they confessed heresy. Jacques de Molay recanted his confession and Pope Clement V ordered his execution along with senior members of the Knights Templar.

Included with the book:
* A list of all the Grand Masters of the Knights Templar
* Select Rules from the original set of 72 Rules of the Knights Templar
* essay questions and a question and answer section for students of all levels

This book is part of the Medieval Archives Podcast series. The corresponding audio lesson is free of charge

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