The Order was founded around 1118 to protect pilgrim routes and Christian communities in the Holy Land, known as Outremer, meaning "beyond the sea." Initially led by Grand Master Hugues de Payens, members were called the Poor Knights of Christ, taking monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Recognising their role in safeguarding Christendom, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem granted them headquarters at the Temple of Solomon on Temple Mount. They thus became known as the Order of the Temple. These "Warrior Monks" were both fighters and men of prayer. Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux supported them with his book "In Praise of the New Knighthood" and provided a guiding Rule for their mission. Each Templar pledged loyalty to this Rule. Their courage and military successes earned them respect across Christendom; they were identifiable by their white mantles with red crosses. By the mid-twelfth century, they had become a significant force in Europe and the Holy Land while being accountable only to the Pope. For two centuries, the religious-military Order of the Templars defended Christianity against threats. Known for establishing fortified strongholds and victories, they were often at the forefront of Crusader armies, supported by notable figures like King Richard I of England, "the Lionheart."

Celebrated as warriors, they were also respected for their dedication to God. By the fourteenth century, individual Templars lived modestly under St Bernard of Clairvaux's strict Rule, while the Order amassed 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. Following persecution of Jews and seizure of their assets, he sought alleged Templar treasures believed 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 a suspected treasury location expecting immense riches, they found only empty rooms with some furniture; any treasure had vanished without a trace. Under torture, many confessed falsely. Pope Clement V, pressured by Philip IIII himself eventually disbanded this once mighty order entirely by decree in 1312.