Templar structure at their final destination. This was a very safe method, because the traveler couldn't get robbed. The Templars began to escort travelers on their fleets of ships. The Pope freed the Templars from loyalty to any ruler, from then on the order only answered to the Pope. The Templars became involved with politics. They served on royal committees and councils. The duties of a Templar split. In the east they remained fierce warriors defending Christianity, and in the west they became farmers, financiers, travel agents, and businessmen. The order was rapidly gaining wealth and riches. This is believed to have led to their downfall. The Knights Templars were said to posses a "great secret". This secret may have been practical knowledge, which if revealed could undermine Christianity. Some people believe that the Templars had some great relic. A piece of the "true" cross, the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, the shroud which Jesus was wrapped in his tomb, a piece of wood from a bath used by Jesus, a bronze bowl used to wash the feet of the disciples at the last supper, the head of John the Baptist, and the Holy Grail used in the last supper are all relics thought to be owned by the Templars. It is truly unknown whether or not the Templars had any of these artifacts. Maybe they had one, or two, possibly all, but nobody can be certain. With the amount of land and money that the Templars had, and the possible possessions of great relics, specifically the Holy Grail, people were bound to envy the order. Philip IV of France, or Philip the Fair, was one person who wanted the wealth of the Templars. He was in debt to the Templars for a loan he had taken, and what better way to eliminate your debts than to eliminate the person you owe. Philip came up with false charges against the Templars; such as heresy and treason. He accused the order of devil worshipping, spitting on the cross, and worshipping decapitated heads. ...
