What happened on Friday the 13th 1307 was a pivotal event in the history of the Knights Templar, a Christian military order that had played a significant role in the Crusades. This date marked the beginning of the end for the Knights Templar, as they were abruptly arrested and later dissolved by King Philip IV of France.
The Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Knights of Christ, had been established in the early 12th century to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Over the years, they had accumulated immense wealth, influence, and power, which made them a target for those who sought to undermine their authority. King Philip IV of France, who was deeply in debt, saw the Knights Templar as a potential source of financial support.
On Friday the 13th, 1307, King Philip ordered the arrest of all Templar knights in France. The arrests were carried out by the French monarchy’s judicial system, and the knights were accused of heresy, sodomy, and other crimes. The charges were based on false testimonies and confessions extracted under duress, and the knights were denied legal representation.
The arrests spread quickly throughout Europe, as the Templars were a powerful and widespread organization. Many knights were tortured into confessing to the charges, and their confessions were used to justify the dissolution of the order. The Pope, Clement V, was initially hesitant to dissolve the Templars, but he eventually succumbed to pressure from King Philip and the French monarchy.
In 1312, the Pope officially dissolved the Knights Templar, and their assets were seized by the French monarchy. The order’s leaders were tried and executed, and many of their members were imprisoned or burned at the stake. The dissolution of the Knights Templar was a significant event in medieval history, as it marked the end of a powerful and influential organization that had played a crucial role in the Crusades.
The legend of the Knights Templar has continued to captivate the imagination of people throughout the centuries. Many believe that the Templars managed to hide their wealth and secrets before their dissolution, and that they may still exist today. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the events of Friday the 13th, 1307, have only fueled the intrigue and speculation surrounding the Knights Templar’s legacy.
