THE RISE AND FALL OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

The Knights Templar Order was founded around 1119 in Jerusalem during the Crusades with the goal of protecting Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. Over time, the Order gained immense power and wealth, establishing a sophisticated financial system that aroused envy and suspicion from nobles and the Church. In 1307, the French King Philip IV, known as "the Fair", falsely accused the Templars of heresy in order to seize their riches. Hundreds of knights were arrested and tortured until they confessed to crimes they did not commit.
In 1312, Pope Clement V officially dissolved the Order. Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master, was condemned to the stake in 1314. According to legend, before dying, Molay cursed Philip and the Pope, who both died that same year. The tragic fall of the Templars gave rise to many theories and myths, such as the existence of lost treasures, occult knowledge, and an alleged connection to Freemasonry. Molay's curse is one of the most intriguing elements of this mystery-filled history.