The religious life of the Knights Templar remains an underexplored area of medieval history. This gap in scholarship is primarily due to the order's relatively short existence, the dispersion of its artifacts and documents following its dissolution in the early 14th century, and the dramatic nature of its downfall which often overshadows other aspects of its history. What do we know of their religious life in the East?
The Templar Order is frequently scrutinized for its role and operations, particularly when compared to the Hospitaller Order. What was the internal dynamics of the Templars during the turn of the 13th century, a critical period?
"A considerable number of associations of armed men existed during the central and high Middle Ages, fulfilling diverse purposes, such as the defense of churches or of Christian territory and the fight against heresy, as well as preserving the peace. Founded on a tradition of brotherhood taken from the Gospels, these militias had varying degrees of organization.What is known about them?
Payen (Paganus, Païen) de Montdidier was one of the founding members of the Knights Templar. He is one of the more obscure members of whom little is known. A quick scan in public sources showed that reliable data on Payen himself are very scarce indeed. At the same time, there is more than enough information to show the importance of his family and the contribution he made to the Templars. What are the facts?
