Templary Sword with a crown

Knights Templar swords are those used by the Knights Templar, considered the most powerful Christian military order of the Middle Ages from 1118 to 1312. Its activity is closely linked to the Crusades, since its foundation is linked to protecting the Christian pilgrims heading to Jerusalem after its conquest in the first of these campaigns.

The Knights Templar wore a white tunic that characterized them with an engraved cross. As for the weapons, each one carried a sword -considered the favorite weapon- typical of their area. That is, each knight went to the campaign with what he had.

These were soldiers who, according to Saint Bernard, did not fear death because they wanted to die and wore faith as armor. It is this rule of Saint Bernard that determines his vow of poverty and his dedication to Christ in his mission to liberate the Holy Land. In fact, he spoke of the glory in victory and, above all, in finding death as martyrs in the attempt. 

He defended this idea because of the fairness of the company in which these gentlemen embarked: “The death that is given or received for the love of Christ, far from being criminal, is worthy of much glory… If he -the knight- succumbs, he wins; and if he wins, Christ wins, because he does not unreasonably bear the sword, because he is God's minister to execute vengeance on the bad and defend the virtue of the good ”. 

On the contrary, in a comparison, he criticized the knights who adorned their horses and weapons and fought for "light and futile" reasons. For this reason, the swords they used were simple, without any kind of decoration and engraving. In addition, they used them for prayer, due to the cross-shaped handle.

Saint Bernard also spoke of the behavior of the Knights Templar, emphasizing discipline and obedience. In addition, he urged them to keep the head shaved, not to bathe and to reject vain pastimes, such as fairy tales, burlesque songs or comedians and minstrels.

In battle, he encouraged them to not be fearful or reckless, but to wait for the power of God since "victory does not depend on the number of soldiers, but on the strength that comes from heaven."

For two centuries, their successes brought them some privileges that they gained with the proclamation of different papal bulls. Among these, we highlight the acquired autonomy-both formal and real- with respect to the bishops, responding directly to the Pope. They also gained concessions on the civil jurisdiction that add to the exemption from ecclesiastical jurisdiction. In addition, they had rights to the conquests in the Holy Land, where they could build fortresses and churches.