Profound changes occurred when lay knights became members of the religious-military order of the Knights Templar. What were the key aspects of these internal and external transformations?
Profound changes occurred when lay knights became members of the religious-military order of the Knights Templar. What were the key aspects of these internal and external transformations?
The five year restoration and reopening of Notre Dame de Paris on December 8, 2024 reminds one that magnificent edifices such as cathedrals are ultimately the combined passionate work of competent men and women of all trades, crafts and professions. As was the case with Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral in the 12th century.
"These poor Norman workmen departed on a new crusade, as it were, of
chisel and trowel to offer their labour for the adornment of Our Lady’s
Church." We know very little of the true builders of Chartres Cathedral. Who were they and how were they organized? A glimpse.
An earlier blog on the medieval cult of Mary Magdalene concluded that this cult in the 11th to 14th century seems to have been more coinciding with the development of the Cistercian Order than being a product of the latter, both resonating on the same principles of penitence, devotion and contemplation. The Knights Templar held the same core values, which inspired them in their religious, socio-economic and military roles. Is there proof of a special Templar relationship with the Mary Magdalene cult?