Charts every stage in the Templars' 200-year history: their foundation in the early twelfth century as a charitable order protecting pilgrims visiting the Holy Land; their growth into a warrior elite who fought as shock troops in crusader battles; their evolution into sophisticated financiers enjoying sweeping tax breaks, freedom from regulation and privileged access to popes, emperors and kings; and their suppression and final disbandment in 1312 by King Philip 'the Fair' of France and Pope Clement.