Mystery surrounds virtually every aspect of the Templar story, from their origins in the aftermath of the First Crusade, through their rise to supreme wealth and power - dominating medieval Europe for nearly two centuries - to their abrupt and dramatic suppression. Ferociously punished for alleged heresy and depravity at the beginning of the 14th century, their story is believed to have ended there, merely an interesting historical footnote. But did they, as many now …showed first 75 words of 7394 total…

…showed last 75 words of 7394 total…suggest is that the formation of the Cistercians, and later the Templars, represent part of a cohesive plan, the ultimate intention of which was to change the political and religious complexion of Europe. Whether intended or not, the Templars were indeed to exert a powerful influence over Europe and the Middle East for most of the next 200 years - an influence that was in many ways to shape the modern world.