The Order was founded around 1118 to protect pilgrims and Christian communities in the Holy Land, known as Outremer, meaning "beyond the sea". Initially led by Grand Master Hugues de Payens, its members were known as the Poor Knights of Christ and took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Recognising their role in protecting Christianity, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem gave them headquarters at the Temple of Solomon on Temple Mount. From this base, they became known as the Order of the Temple. These "Warrior Monks" were both fighters and men of prayer. Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux supported their cause with his book "In Praise of the New Knighthood" and gave them a Rule to follow. Each Templar pledged loyalty to this Rule. Their courage and military successes earned them respect across Christendom. Their white mantles with red crosses easily identified them. By the mid-twelfth century, they had become a powerful force in Europe and the Holy Land, whilst answering only to the Pope. For two centuries, the religious-military Order of the Templars defended Christianity against threats. Known for their fortified strongholds and battlefield victories, they often fought at the front of Crusader armies, supported by notable figures such as King Richard I of England, "the Lionheart".

Known as warriors, they were also respected for their devotion to God. By the fourteenth century, individual Templars lived simply under St Bernard of Clairvaux's strict Rule, whilst the Order gained significant power and wealth. This influence spread into finance and commerce, attracting envy. In 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of all Templars in France on charges of heresy after borrowing heavily from them but failing to repay his debts. Having already persecuted ​Jews and seized ​their assets, he now ​  sought the ​  alleged Templar treasures believed to be ​  stored in Paris. News leaked about Philip's plan to arrest all Templars on Friday, 13 October 1307—leading to superstition around 'unlucky' Friday the Thirteenth—prompting many to flee La Rochelle with a fleet. When authorities raided the suspected treasury location, expecting enormous riches, they found only empty rooms with some furniture; the treasure had vanished without a trace. Under torture, many Templars confessed falsely. Pope Clement V, pressured by Philip IV, eventually disbanded the once mighty order entirely by decree in 1312.