This is the first history of the Templars since the Vatican published its sensational records, clearing them of heresy. It investigates the Templars' history, legends and mysteries - and the belief that their hand can be seen in everything from the Cathar heresy to Masonic conspiracies. And it illuminates the background to what is believed to be the setting of Dan Brown's new novel for 2008.
Michael Haag has written widely on the Egyptian, Classical and Medieval worlds. He is author of the much-admired Alexandria: City of Memory, Rough Guides to Tutankhamun and The Da Vinci Code.
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.
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