The “Militia of the Poor Knights of Christ”

It became known as the Order of the Temple and was founded by Hugues de Payns, Godefroy de Saint-Omer and other knights.

The “Militia of the Poor Knights of Christ” emerged in 1118, led by Hugues de Payns, with the support of eight more knights. Two years later, at the Council of Nablus, the Order of the Temple was founded, also known as “Knights Templar”, “Order of the Temple” or simply “Templars”. Hugues de Payns was elected Master by the other knights and received from King Balduíno II his residence near the “Temple of Solomon”, where he established his headquarters.

The Order of the Temple, with military characteristics, aimed to protect pilgrims heading to Jerusalem, as well as defend the Latin States of the Holy Land and their sacred places.