In the years following the success of the First Crusade, it became evident that some sort of defense was necessary for the numerous pilgrims who were risking their lives in order to visit the Holy Land. A group of knights joined together to provide this service. Like monks, they took vows of chastity, poverty and obedience; but unlike most monks, they wielded weapons in defense of European travelers. They were the Knights Templar.

Get the basic facts about the Templars in your Guide's feature, What You Need to Know About the Templar Knights.

The image of Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Templars, is from a nineteenth-century color lithograph by Chevauchet. The graphic is in the public domain.

Daily Features
April 29 in Medieval History
Medieval History Site of the Day for April 29
Castle of the Day for April 29