Secrets of the Knights Templar: The Hidden History of the World's Most Powerful Order - Softcover

The Knights Templar are one of the most mysterious and powerful religious orders in history. Highly trained, and adhering to a strict chivalric code, their success on the battlefield brought them both extraordinary wealth and political influence. It also ensured they would be entrusted to guard Christendom's greatest secrets. Our enduring fascination with the Templars is matched only by the swirling myths that surround and sometimes obscure the order's history. Secrets of the Knights Templar examines each of these mysteries in turn to reveal the truth about the Knights' secret practices, rituals and codes, as well as the continued influence of the Templars today. From the true location of the Holy Grail to the Templars' involvement in the Battle of Bannockburn, and from the sudden downfall of the order to the claims of those who believe they're descended from its Grand Masters, S. J. Hodge's thrilling and authoritative narrative uncovers the hidden links behind the stories and separates historical fact from fiction.

S.J. Hodge has an MA in the History of Art by Research from Birkbeck, University of London, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She has written over 60 illustrated non-fiction books, mainly on history and art-related subjects, including Why Your Five Year Old Could Not Have Done That: Modern Art Explained, 50 Art Ideas You Really Need to Know, Gustav Klimt, Medieval Europe, British Castles and The Forbidden City.