Environmental problems in the Medieval world

There is a common misconception that the medieval period (8th–15th centuries) was stagnant in terms of technological and environmental development. Contrary to this medieval societies, both in the West and the East, faced significant ecological challenges, including deforestation, air and water pollution, and resource depletion resulting from population growth, that in turn followed climatic warming.

The Templar site at Averlo, the Netherlands

In Averlo, on the road that runs west of the Overijssels Kanaal, lies the farm “ De Tempel”. It is a T-farm, which in its current form probably dates from the eighteenth century. It is a listed building. The residents are sometimes called “ Tempelman ”, although their actual name is different. Incidentally, the family name “Tempelman” is common in the wider area. Is there a Templar connection?

The Nablus Council, January 1120 - secular recognition of the Templar Order

On January 16, 1120 the Council of Nablus was held in the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. This  council of ecclesiastic and secular lords of the Kingdom was convened by Warmund, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and King Baldwin II of Jerusalem. The council established twenty-five canons (decrees) dealing with both religious and secular affairs. As such it provided the first written laws for the kingdom. Therefore the Council can be considered both a parliament and an ecclesiastical synod. What did the (proto-)Templars have to do with this?

The Profound Transformation of Templar Knights

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?