Secrets of the Knights Templar: A Chronicle 1129-1312

by Susie Hodge

Secrets of the Knights Templar is the compelling chronicle of the warrior monks and their fight to defend the Catholic faith, and of their participation in the efforts to vie for control of the Holy Land with the Muslim armies of Kurdish military genius Saladin and his successors. Informally organized in 1119 to protect pilgrims on their journeys to visit the Holy Land, and officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church in 1129, the medieval Knights Templar grew into an elite fighting force that played a central role in the battles of the Crusades. They were highly trained, well equipped, and unafraid to take up the sword to defend the church at the limits of western civilization.
 
Though Templar was initially celebrated for their military acumen and acts of bravery, the once-celebrated order was eventually dismantled in disgrace, accused of political crimes as well as crimes against the faith. With its concise, authoritative, and accessible narrative — amplified by extensive citations from contemporary sources, and accompanied by generously captioned and stunning images of the period — Secrets of the Knights Templar brings a distant era of history dramatically and vividly to life. It is the perfect gift for anyone with a love of medieval, religious, or military history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Christianity, Asia, Middle East, France

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

a historical account of the templars. a direct information supplier with respect to the templars and the secrets linked to them.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a great comprehensive history of one of the most controversial organizations that ever existed. There has been so much speculation about the Knights Templar, and this successfully addresses every aspect of the order’s origins, its activities in the Middle East, and its downfall. I loved the large format and the beautiful pictures. The layout provided a perfect vehicle for 200 years of history that encompassed the dynamic of the Crusades, the economic impact of the Templars, and the mythic status that developed over the centuries. I learned a lot more about every aspect of the Order: “Throughout their history, the Knights Templar remained a paradox to many. Devout monks who were also fighting soldiers; individually poor yet collectively wealthy; Christians who befriended many Cathars, Jews, and Muslims. Yet despite these contradictions, their courage and gallantry made them extremely popular and successful – for a while anyway.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program.

[Chuck Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Templar mythos is everywhere in pop arts today, whether it is movies, books, television or video games. The story of Knights Templar is one of those subjects where fact and fiction become so intertwined to the point where fiction can become accepted by the average person as "fact." I found that the author did an admirable job in arriving at with what appears to be a basic, factual history of the Templars.

[Donna Zigmont · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been curious about the Templars. I suppose it could be because of the bit they discuss in The Davinci Code. It is really quite a fascinating subject. I'm rather disappointed we didn't learn of this subject in World History. it was a really informative book on the subject. and I was rather interested to learn about some of the Popes that were mentioned in the book. they were quite shady then.