MIlitary monks

Militant Monks, The Knights Templar, a military order of
monks answerable only to the Pope himself, were founded in
1118. Their primary responsibility, at least initially, was
to provide protection to Christians making pilgrimages to
the Holy Land. They rose in power, both religious and
secular, to become one of the richest and most powerful
entities in Christendom. By the time of their disbandment
in 1307, this highly secretive organization controlled vast
wealth, a fleet of merchant ships, and castles and estates
spanning the entire Mediterranean area.

When the crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Muslims in
1099, the Church encouraged all faithful Christians to
visit that holy city in order to affirm their faith. The
area, however, was still subject to sporadic attacks from
various non-Christian factions. A small group of knights,
led by Hugh de Payens, vowed to protect the pilgrims. The
group was granted quasi-official status by King Baldwin II
of Jerusalem, wh...