Trials of the Knights Templar

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The downfall of the Knights Templar was initiated by King Philip IV of France. Philip, who was heavily in debt due to his lavish policies and military endeavours, saw eliminating the Templars as a way of alleviating his financial hardship and at the same time eliminating a powerful rival. In addition, the Templars were difficult to control by secular authorities due to their international networks and their special rights, which placed them directly under the Church, which Philip perceived as a threat. At the same time, Philip had been embroiled in a bitter conflict with Pope Boniface VIII over the question of the division of power between the Church and the Crown. After Boniface's death and the election of the French Pope Clement V, Philip saw his opportunity to further extend his control over ecclesiastical affairs. On Friday 13 October 1307, Philip had numerous Templars arrested in France, including the Grand Master Jacques de Molay. The arrests came as a surprise and took place simultaneously...

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