Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar

The author explores the order from its origins through to its dissolution in 1307. Individual chapters examine its origins and its formation in 1118, its rise to papal favour and power, its organisation and day-to-day life, preparation for battle and discipline, the major battles fought by the Tempars (such as the Battle of Hattin on 4th July 1187) showing how they actually lost more battles than they won despite their fearsome reputation, the loss of Acre in 1291 that was the start of the process that led to the order's eventual dissolution, the arrest of leading members of the order for unholy worship and heresy on 13th October 1307, the aftermath of the dissolution, and finally the Templar legacy. Alongside, the author's well-researched and comprehensive text is a superb illustrative content, vividly portraying the lift of the Templars during this remarkable period.