jjares reviewed on + 3296 more book reviews
Captivating History has the story of the Knights Templar down pat. Over the years, they have rewritten and expanded on their knowledge of these warrior monks for us readers. The Templars may have started out to assist pilgrims and protect the Holy Land, but over time, they became so much more.
They initiated financial services for Europe, their kings, and common travelers. Along the way, they became fabulously wealthy. When King Philip IV of France was in financial straits, he decided to acquire the Templar's wealth. The story of how he stunningly decimated this society of warrior monks is a terrible tale.
This whole book was fascinating. My only complaint was the lack of maps. As I was away from a computer, I was unable to view the Templar castles and conflict sites until after finishing this book.
They initiated financial services for Europe, their kings, and common travelers. Along the way, they became fabulously wealthy. When King Philip IV of France was in financial straits, he decided to acquire the Templar's wealth. The story of how he stunningly decimated this society of warrior monks is a terrible tale.
This whole book was fascinating. My only complaint was the lack of maps. As I was away from a computer, I was unable to view the Templar castles and conflict sites until after finishing this book.