A Vatican Secret Archive historian reveals the true story of the Templars: “consider this little book the first-choice primer on its legend-laden subject” (Booklist).
At its height, the Order of the Knights Templar rivaled the kingdoms of Europe in military might, economic power, and political influence. For 700 years, the story of these warrior-monks has been plagued by controversy and accusations of heresy. Tragically, the transcript of their Inquisition trial—which held the key to the truth—had vanished.
Having uncovered the long-lost transcript, Templar historian Barbara Frale now reveals its explosive contents—including how Pope Clement V had absolved the order of all charges of heresy. The Templars chronicles the spectacular rise and fall of the organization against a sweeping backdrop of war, religious fervor, and the struggle for dominance, and finally lifts the centuries-old cloak of mystery surrounding one of the world’s most intriguing secret societies.
