The Cult of the Cross, Central Axis of Templar Spirituality

The Templar Order developed a distinctive religious identity centred on the Cross, expressed through relics, ritual performance, and public devotion. How did this synthesis of material culture and liturgy reinforce their role as warrior-monks and shape their reputation among contemporaries?

The Cistercian links to the cult of Mary Magdalene

The cult of Mary Magdalene, as it is understood today especially in France, has its origins in various historical and religious developments over centuries. How did it develop and what role was played by the Cistercian Order?

Templar devotion of Saint Blaise

"Among the devotional objects mentioned in the inventories (made during the trial investigations 1307-1312, TN) relics and reliquaries feature prominently. (...) One devotional trend that the Templars, especially in southern France, seem to have picked up was that of the fourth-century martyr St Blaise, bishop of Sebastia.

Medieval Templar devotion - a strong focus towards Mary

Among the devotional objects mentioned in the inventories (made during the trial investigations 1307-1312, TN) relics and reliquaries feature prominently. Schenk has argued elsewhere that Templars hoarded True Cross relics, which were elemental to the order’s identity as an order of Christ and powerful reminders of the Templars’ roots and responsibilities in the Holy Land. The Virgin Mary was another Saint that was venerated throughout the Order. 

Spiritual devotion, the greatest threat of the Knights Templar

The muslim perspective of the intransigence of the Military Orders is best reflected in the writings of Abu al-Hasan Ali bin Abi Bakr al-Harawi (ca 1145-1215), a courtier, military theorist, and propagandist in the service of Saladin. A noted scholar and traveler, al-Harawi seems to have served as a type of secret agent for Saladin. As a part of ongoing military reforms, Saladin ordered the preparation of at least three manuals on statecraft and warfare, one of which was written by al-Harawi, entitled al-Harawi's Discussion on the Strategems of War.