The Templars by Dan Jones

Most people have heard of the Templars and the mysteries surrounding them.  They are still current in stories of the Middle Ages and most people have a nodding acquaintance on what they did and who they were.  In this comprehensive book, historian and award-winning journalist Dan Jones outlines the complete history of the order and their downfall.

The order of the Templars was created in 1119 when the Western Christian countries wanted to insure that they were in charge of Jerusalem, location of the majority of Christian shires and tourist sites.  Ownership of Jerusalem was hotly contested with various Muslim groups in the area with the Christians being in control at times and the Muslims at others.  Each tended to make worship at the others' sites difficult when they were in authority.  The Templars and the Hospitallars were created to fight the wars necessary to win the territory and to support those injured in the constant battles.

Many of the legends associated with the order came from the high profile of the various leaders of the Crusades.  Richard the Lionhearted of England, Louis IV of France and Frederick II of Prussia were some of the storied men who led the armies that fought for control.  On the Muslim side, such famous men as Saladin were in control.  These two sides fought for control over the area for hundreds of years.

Although the Templars were started as a monastic entity, over the years the order became very wealthy.  Kings and church leaders granted them lands and freedom from levies and taxes.  The Templars not only fought but provided banking services to others as they were trusted and had the military authority to secure funds.  They also provided security to tourists and made money shepherding them to and around the Holy Lands.

Finally, in the early 1300's, envy of the Templar's wealth and their stubborn insistence on their independence from governmental control brought them ruin.  On April 13, 1307, a Friday, hundreds of Templars in France were arrested and then tortured during their imprisonment until they made confessions that they were anti-Christian.  The Church became involved in a power struggle with the French king and finally to resolve it, declared the Templars disbanded.  The order was not persecuted in other countries as they were in France, but their power and wealth were over. 

This is an interesting compilation of what is known about the Templars.  Readers may be surprised at the sheer numbers killed in the Crusades and at how often the Christians were utterly defeated only to rise and try again and again.  Jones has written extensively on English history and he brings his easy to read style to this topic as well.  This book is recommended for nonfiction and history readers.