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ORDER OF THE TEMPLE
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The Order of the Temple is the only foundation whose roots are purely military and date back to the crusades. In the XIthC Urbain ordered/requested the assistance and defence of the Christians of the East for the crusades/expeditions which marched the armies to the tomb of Christ. The undertaking of military colonisation under the flag of the Christian faith, something which would increase trade between the East and the West. Therefore, the pope committed/called upon the Christians of the West to defend the Eastern Brothers. On 15th July 1098, Jerusalem became Christian. With Musulman strength in decline, (this anarchy) the Christians weakened and it’s the foundation of the Order of the ‘Chevaliers du Christ’ or ‘Templar Knights’. Admittance: Proof of birth wasn’t necessary. The postulants were numerous but some brothers stayed in France to bridge the gap in manual labour roles. The Order received assets: many placed under their protection. In addition to defending holy places, the re-conquest of the Christian faith and the leading of the pilgrims, the foundation of the Temple was completed to breathe new life into the Knights Templar. The Preceptories of the Temple were stopping places of economic benefit, most usually they served as warehouses and as centres of money circulation. It was they who devised letters of exchange which would later become known as our modern-day cheques.
Templars in Aigues-Mortes :
It is said that a port belonging to the Knights Templar existed at Listel, and served as a base for their expedition to the holy land: the Templars raised their horses in Larzac and then brought them as far as Aigues-Mortes. Subsequent to the suppression of the Order, the Pope declared that their various Preceptories and their material assets should be given up to the Knights Hospitaller.
Preceptories in the surrounding area of Aigues-Mortes: Daladel Saint Jean de la Pinède Les Salictos (Listel)
In 1269, to extend his territory, Louis IX acquired from the Knights Templar a forest to the west of Aigues-Mortes. Later, they handed a neighbouring forest over to Philippe III. Whilst awaiting his embarkation on the VIIth crusade in 1270, Louis IX stayed in the Templars House at Saint Gilles. It is also believed that there was a House belonging to the Knights Hospitaller of the Maltese Order in Aigues-Mortes itself (corner of Rues Pasteur and Louis Blanc) The Preceptory of Provence still exists today. In 1307, 45 Knights Templar were arrested and held in the Tour de Constance, before being transferred to Alès to be sentenced. They were ordered to recognise the error of their ways and to repent. Instead, they avowed
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