The administrative and legal development of medieval Papal supremacy

The 12th and 13th centuries were marked by the expansion of papal authority, alongside the development of papal administrative prowess. The most notable expression of this was the development of the concept of papal supremacy, which held that the pope had authority over all Christians, including secular rulers. 

Templar religious life in the West

As found earlier, the religious life of the Knights Templar remains an underexplored area of medieval history. Artifacts and documents are lacking and dispersed following the Order's dissolution in the early 14th century. At the same time, the Templars prosecution in the West did render much data. These indicate that Templar religious practices were not enforced by a centralized administration, but exhibited significant regional variations in their liturgical life. Some details. 

The Templar Commandery at Alphen, the Netherlands

The Knights Templar held a significant but often overlooked presence in the northern Netherlands. In Brabant they had their commandery at Ter Brake near Alphen. What is known?

Interaction between the monastic Orders and the Papacy in the 12th and 13th century

The 12th and 13th centuries were transformative periods for the papacy, marked by significant administrative reforms, increased political power, and theological developments. How did the development of the monastic Orders interact with this development of the Papacy?

Templar and Hospitaller governance and personnel around the year 1300

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?

925th Anniversary First Crusade Siege of Jerusalem

The Siege of Jerusalem took place from June 7 to July 15, 1099, during the First Crusade. This successful siege saw the Crusaders take Jerusalem from the Fatimid Caliphate and laid the foundations for the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Crusading around 1150 - a "worldwide" coordinated effort

When thinking about crusading in the 12th century, one is usually inclined to consider first the Levant, and perhaps in second place present day Spain and Portugal. However, at the middle of the 12th century there were many more military theatres as well as coordinated efforts to achieve success in several places at the same time. An overview.

The rise of the Papacy in the 12th and 13th century

The history of the Order of the Temple closely coincided with the development of papal power during the 12th and 13th centuries. How did the papal power develop?

The Arabization of the Knights Templar during the Crusades, 1119-1314

The military orders, especially the first, the Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon (Knights Templar) played a critical role in the preservation of the Crusader kingdoms in Palestine between 1119 and their fall in 1291. It is generally acknowledged that part of the Templars' success, in both Palestine and Spain, stemmed from their ability to deal with the Muslim enemy in a variety of situations.