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? 

Who were the true builders of Chartres Cathedral?

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.

Urban's call to crusade - November 27, 1095 - the full text

On November 27, 1095, Pope Urban II delivered his speech at Clermont Ferrand, aimed at arrousing the people to start an armed pilgrimage to deliver the Holy Land from the hands of the "pagans", a pilgirmage that later became known as the First Crusade. Of this speech several quite different versions have been delivered to our time by primary sources. Below are the version of Fulcher of Chartres and the one of Robert the Monk. 

Unmasking the Legal Invalidity of the Knights Templar Dissolution

The dissolution of the Knights Templar in 1312 has long been shrouded in controversy. New research conducted by Sophie Kirchgasser, presented in her dissertation at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, sheds groundbreaking light on the bull Vox in Excelso, issued March 22, 1312 (alternatively sometimes April 3, 1312 is mentioned) and traditionally viewed as the legal instrument behind the Order's disbandment. Meticulous historical and legal analysis reveals that the dissolution was never formally or legally enacted, casting doubt on centuries of ecclesiastical and historical interpretation. What are the facts?

On Templar links to the cult of Mary Magdalene

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?

Monastic developments in 11th to 13th century religious Western Europe

The onset of the Cistercian and Templar Orders was defined to a great extent by the changing historical context of  in 11th to 13th century religious Western Europe. What were the main aspects?