An order of warrior monks founded to protect pilgrims to Jerusalem, the Templars were among the wealthiest and most powerful bodies in the medieval world. Yet two centuries later, they were arrested, accused of blasphemy, heresy and orgies, and their leaders were burnt at the stake. Part guide, part history, this book investigates the Templar legends and legacy - from the mysteries of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, via nineteenth century development of the Freemasons, through to Templar appearances in Dan Brown and Indiana Jones. This book explains the whole context of Templar history, including the recent evidence discovered by the Vatican that the Templars were not guilty of heresy. It also features a guide to Templar castles and sites.

About the Author

Michael Haag has written widely on the Egyptian, Classical and Medieval worlds. He is author of the much-admired Alexandria: City of Memory (Yale University Press), and of bestselling Rough Guides to Tutankhamun and The Da Vinci Code.

Prizes

The definitive guide to Templars' history, legends and mysteries - and the belief that their hand can be seen in everything from the Cathar heresy to Masonic conspiracies.

Reviews

In 1119 C.E., a group of knights took holy vows to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land. Two hundred years later the Knights Templar had become the most powerful and wealthiest military organization in the world. In the 14th century, they were brought down by the greedy Philip IV of France, and questions arose about their ascent to power, the source of their wealth, and even about their faith. Haag (The Rough Guide to The Da Vinci Code) sifts through the history and the legends to illuminate these mysterious Holy Warriors. Discussing the origins of Solomon's Temple and the Crusades, with many sidebar clarifications, Haag also reviews Templar revivals and the Freemasons, as well as books, movies, and even video games that feature the Templars. He also examines several "conspiracy" theories (e.g., that the Templars found that Mary Magdalene was Jesus's wife and were behind the French Revolution) and prominent locations related to the Templars. Additionally, he briefly covers the discovery of the Chinon Parchment by which Pope Clement had absolved the Templars before their trial. VERDICT Readers of The Da Vinci Code and other fictions relating to the Templars will enjoy this well-written, copiously illustrated, and solidly researched book. Highly recommended.-Robert Harbison, Western Kentucky Univ. Lib., Bowling Green Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

"* 'Michael Haag, in his well-knit narrative gets through an enormous spread of history'- Daily Telegraph * 'An essential guide for anyone who wants a comprehensive guide to the Templars... a perfect place to begin your quest'- Good Book Guide * 'Admirably comprehensive and balanced'- Birmingham Mail * 'An intriguing and revealing work that surprises and entertains'- Nottingham Evening Post"