The Knights Templar
Course Code: HEH95
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
We chart the fortunes of the Templars from 'Soldiers of Christ' to vilified heretics burned at the stake on the orders of Philip IV of France.
What will we cover?
We begin by looking at the origins and role of the Knights Templar in the Kingdom of Jerusalem and their afterlife in the wake of the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. Finally, we will consider reasons why the Templars were destroyed by the King of France.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain the concept of Miltes Christi
• Describe the defensive role held by the Knights Templar in the Kingdom of Jerusalem
• Identify how and why the Templar movement was destroyed.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is necessary, but a good understanding of English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be an informative talk using PowerPoint, during which we will read original sources (in translation) and class discussion will be encouraged. You are invited to bring along/describe items you have read in newspapers/heard on radio/seen on TV you think may be of interest to the group.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You need only bring note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in medieval European history. Please see the City Lit website.
Vanessa King is a lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History at Regents University, and Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, as well as European history from the Fall of Rome to 1800. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
