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Monks
The Knights Templar, a military order
of monks answerable only to the Pope himself, were
founded in 1118. Their primary responsibility, at least
initially, was to provide protection to Christians making
pilgrimages to the Holy Land. They rose in power, both
religious and secular, to become one of the richest and
most powerful entities in Christendom. By the time of their
disbandment in 1307, this highly secretive organization
controlled vastwealth, a fleet of merchant ships, and castles
and estates spanning the entire Mediterranean area. When
the crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Muslims in
1099, the Church encouraged all faithful Christians to visit
that holy city in order to affirm their faith. The
Approximate words: 2598
Approximate pages: 11
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