Knights Templar, the "Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon" - Historical Wax Seal from the 12th Century

This wax seal stamp features the iconic emblem of the Knights Templar, known as the "Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon." The image of two knights riding a single horse reflects the Templars’ humble beginnings, symbolising the order’s vow of poverty and their commitment to a life of simplicity and sacrifice. Founded in 1119 by Hugues de Payens, the Templars were originally a small group of knights tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land after the First Crusade. The emblem of two knights sharing a horse became a powerful symbol of their dedication to their cause, illustrating their unity and the fraternal bond that defined the order. Despite their humble beginnings, the Templars quickly grew into a formidable military order, playing a central role in the Crusades and establishing a network of financial and military influence that spanned across Europe and the Holy Land. The Knights Templar were not only warriors but also skilled financiers, operating a banking system that enabled pilgrims to safely transfer money across Europe to the Holy Land. However, their increasing wealth and power, combined with their mysterious rituals, led to their eventual downfall. In 1307, under pressure from King Philip IV of France, the order was disbanded, and many Templars were arrested and executed in what became known as the Friday the 13th purge. Despite their fall from grace, the Templars’ legacy has persisted through the centuries, with their emblem still widely recognised today as a symbol of chivalry, mystery, and the Crusades. This seal offers a tangible connection to one of the most fascinating and secretive orders in medieval history, evoking the enduring legacy of the Knights Templar and their dramatic rise and fall. The Brass Seal has a diameter of 50 mm.