Military Orders
Templars
Founded by Hugh of Payens
1. Took a vow in 1118, along with seven others, to be a Poor Knight.
2. In 1127 Hugh was in Europe, asking St. Bernard for a new crusade
3. Instead, he got a Rule and a tract: De laude novae militiae
B. The New Knighthood
1. Took monastic vows and lived a monastic life: simplicity, silence, prayer, common bed and meals.
2. Wore white habit with a red cross
3. Military service replaced laborare and study as their monastic duty.
C. Organization
1. Highly centralized
2. Commanderies all over Europe
3. Took an oath never to pay ransom nor to ask to be ransomed
4. No quarter asked or given (but this was ignored sometimes)
5. Absolute obedience
D. Influence
1. Second in Outremer only to the Hospitallers
2. Even more influential in Europe than the Hospitallers
3. Became a great banking house
4. Entered fully into European politics, creating many enemies
5. Completely independent -- a state within a state