Martin Bauer investigates the legends surrounding one of the most powerful orders of knights of all times, an order that brought the arcane wisdom of the East to Europe. He follows the transformation of the Templars from the saviours of Christian civilisation to the persecuted enemies of Europe’s ruling powers. Hardly any secret order before or since has provided historians with so much cause for speculation. In the early part of the 12th century, Europe was enduring a time of terror and misery. The plague, marauding knights and destructive wars were part of everyday life. As if in response, a banner of Christian ethos, the Order of the Knights Templars was founded. From its very beginning it was swathed in legend. Martin Bauer investigates both the facts and the legends of this famous secret order, following the transformation of the Templars from the guardians of Christian civilisation to the persecuted enemies of powerful rulers of Europe. Press “This history of the Order, encompassing both the legends and the facts, is exciting to read, particularly since the author does not fail to delve into the background and causes of events.” Nürnberger Nachrichten Author Martin Bauer is a non-fiction author and translator.