Here’s a concise and clear timeline of the Knights Templar. 

🛡️ Timeline of the Knights Templar

1119 – Founding of the Order
Hugues de Payens and eight knights establish the Knights Templar in Jerusalem to protect Christian pilgrims.

1129 – Official Recognition
The Templars are formally endorsed by the Catholic Church at the Council of Troyes, gaining papal support and growing rapidly.

1139 – Papal Privileges Granted
Pope Innocent II issues the bull Omne Datum Optimum, giving the Templars independence from local laws and taxes. They answer only to the Pope.

1147–1149 – Second Crusade Participation
Templars fight alongside European kings during the failed Second Crusade.

1187 – Battle of Hattin & Loss of Jerusalem
Templars suffer a major defeat against Saladin. Jerusalem falls, and the Templars retreat to other Crusader strongholds.

1291 – Fall of Acre
The last major Crusader city in the Holy Land is lost. The Templars relocate their headquarters to Cyprus.

1307 (October 13) – Mass Arrests in France
King Philip IV, deeply in debt to the Templars, orders their arrest on charges of heresy. Many are tortured into confessions.

1312 – Order Dissolved
Pope Clement V disbands the Knights Templar under pressure from King Philip IV. Their assets are transferred to the Hospitallers.

1314 – Execution of Jacques de Molay
The last Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, is burned at the stake in Paris. Legend says he cursed the king and pope from the flames.