The Trial of the Templars

An updated discussion of the 1307–1314 trial of the military religious Order of the Temple.

Malcolm Barber (Author)

9780521856393, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 September 2006

408 pages
23.5 x 15.6 x 3 cm, 0.793 kg

'… this detailed narrative of the last days of the Order of the Temple has deservedly established itself as the standard account in a major European language.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History

The Templars fought against Islam in the crusader east for nearly two centuries. During that time the original small band grew into a formidable army, backed by an extensive network of preceptories in the Latin West. In October 1307, the members of this seemingly invulnerable and respected Order were arrested on the orders of Philip IV, King of France and charged with serious heresies, including the denial of Christ, homosexuality and idol worship. The ensuing proceedings lasted for almost five years and culminated in the suppression of the Order. The motivations of the participants and the long-term repercussions of the trial have been the subject of intense and unresolved controversy, which still has resonances in our own time. In this new edition of his classic account, Malcolm Barber discusses the trial in the context of new work on the crusades, heresy, the papacy and the French monarchy.

Preface
Introduction
1. The participants
2. The arrests
3. The papal intervention
4. The papal and episcopal inquiries
5. The defence of the Order
6. The end of resistance
7. The charges
8. The trial in other countries
9. The suppression
10. Conclusion
Notes
Chronology of the trial
Recent historiography on the dissolution of the Temple
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Christian institutions & organizations [HRCX], History of religion [HRAX], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD], Historical mysteries [FFH]