The Secret History of the Knights Templar: A Complete Illustrated Chronicle of the Rise and Fall of One of History's Most Secretive and Conspiratorial Brotherhoods - Couverture rigide

The Knights Templar were the most powerful military religious order of the Middle Ages, originally formed from nine comrades in 1118 to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. Returning to Europe within a decade and sworn to poverty, chastity and obedience, the Knights Templar rapidly gained wealth, lands and influence. They became a powerful law unto themselves swearing allegiance only to the Pope himself. Clad in a white mantle with the splayed red cross, the knights took part in the Crusades with martial zeal and strength - but their influence at the height of their powers extended well beyond war, into diplomacy, politics and the banking and technology of the age. This expertly presented new book covers the fascinating and romantic history and mysteries surrounding the Templars. It charts their rise and influence, followed by their changing fortunes resulting in the loss of Jerusalem and the third Crusade, the fall of Acre, and the tragic destruction of the order by Pope Clement V and Philip IV of France. It explains how these brave crusaders and Christian champions came to be perceived as greedy and hypocritical manipulators - allegedly repudiating the Cross and practising heretical rites. We find out what happened to the celebrated martyrs who had fought bravely in their thousands in the Crusades but had lost Jerusalem and ended up with a reputation as thieves and traitors. The book looks at the speculations, myths and mysteries of these legendary knights in a period that lasted only 200 years, but still holds fascination some 900 years later. It looks at controversial claims and conspiracies surrounding the Knights Templar and makes informed opinions about likely truths behind them - such as whether they discovered America and whether they had guardianship or special knowledge of the Holy Grail. It also makes links with the Turin Shroud, the Ark of Covenant, the Skull of Sidon, Freemasonry and other mysteries that have passed down the centuries. It shows the historical legacy of the Templars today and how they have influenced modern ways of life and modern organizations.

Susie Hodge has an MA in the History of Art by Research from the University of London. She has taught part-time for 15 years in secondary, further and higher education on subjects including Art & Design, History, Science and RE. As an author and illustrator, Susie has written over thirty books for children and adults, on many subjects including history, art, design and science. She has also written articles, booklets and websites for The V&A, The Museum of London, The Tate and The Royal Academy. She gives talks to various audiences ranging from businesses to university students, mainly on art and/or history.