John Roos’ Blog

The subject of the Templar Knights is so mysterious and compelling that it spawns an almost endless stream of speculation. Excellent fodder for conspiracy theorists, novelists, and anyone with a vivid imagination, the story of the Templars is rooted in facts and history. However, so much is unknown. And their trail leads to almost endless speculation.

In their years in Jerusalem, what treasures did they uncover? What secrets did they discover? Why did Philip IV of France arrest many Templars in 1305 and put an end to their existence? But what really happened to those who survived? What happened to their navy? Did they discover America? What happened to their treasure? Were they the originators of the Swiss banking system?

These are but a handful of the questions and speculations that have been raised about the Templars. In movies and novels. Web sites and articles. Theories abound, and there are enough facts to provide at least some measure of credibility to many.

Normally, I believe that it is unhealthy to spend an undue amount of time even thinking about these kinds of subjects. But, in this case, the facts are fascinating and hard to escape.

Preparing to board a transatlantic flight a few years ago, I succumbed to temptation and bought a copy of The Templars by Piers Paul Read. In short, I was disappointed. Most of this was a retelling of the general history. Of the crusades. The origins of the Templars. Their officie demise. But I felt it was short on juicy speculation or the kind of enlightenment for which I was looking.

However, recently, I gave in for a second time and bought Michael’s Haag’s book, The Templars: The History and the Myth: From Solomon’s Temple to the Freemasons. I first would like to comment about the packaging. I am a sucker for this kind of book. Beautifully packaged. A wonderful typeface. The pages open easily and stay open without straining the binding. It feels so wonderful. It was like a magnet that kept drawing me back . . . until I finally bought it.

Here is a clear history of the Templars. Haag seeks to delineate what seems fact from speculation. This book is recommended to anyone wanting to receive a readable overview of this subject. Once again, however, I was a little disappointed. Haag covers ground that, in many cases, is not new or all that enlightening. At least for me, and probably for anyone with any kind of knowledge about the history of this subject.

I would recommend it to newcomers and anyone curious about the story of the Templar nights. It did quench my short-term willingness to give in to speculaton about this subject. And it goes on my shelf, kept in my collection. For now.

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