10 Myths About the Knights Templar Hollywood Got Totally Wrong

Hollywood loves a good story, and few are as ripe for legend as the Knights Templar.

These ancient warriors have been portrayed as treasure hunters, secret keepers, and even guardians of mystical artifacts.

The allure is undeniable, but how much of it is true?

Lights, Camera, Templars!

Biggest Myths You’ve Seen on Screen:

Knights Templar as treasure hunters.
Guardians of secret knowledge.
Mystical powers and artifacts.

1. Secret Treasure Hoards

Hollywood loves a good treasure hunt, and the Knights Templar are often at the heart of these fictional escapades. From gold-filled chests to legendary artifacts, movies make it seem like the Templars left behind vast hoards of hidden riches. So, what’s true and what’s pure fiction?

Common Myths:

Buried Gold: Hollywood suggests the Templars buried massive vaults of gold. Yet, no historical evidence supports this.
Holy Grail: Films often show the Templars guarding the Holy Grail. There’s no proof they ever had it.
Ancient Relics: Movies love to depict secret rooms filled with priceless relics. Reality, though, is much less dramatic.

In reality, much of what is known about the Templar treasure comes from speculation and legend. Where Hollywood sees secret maps and cryptic clues, history sees confiscated Templar wealth redistributed by kings.

So while the idea of secret hoards and hidden treasures makes for entertaining stories, the truth is likely far less exciting. If only history had a bit more movie magic!

2. Temple Mount Mysteries

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is one of the most mysterious places connected to the Knights Templar. Many wild stories surround this ancient site, most of which are more Hollywood than history.

What did the Templars do there? That’s a big question! Some legends say they discovered hidden treasures or ancient secrets below the Temple Mount.

Were there secret tunnels? In 1867, a British archaeological team found extensive tunnels beneath the site. These discoveries only added to the Templar myths, sparking all sorts of treasure hunting fantasies.

Here’s a quick list of the biggest myths:

Hidden Treasures: Stories claim the Templars found gold and sacred relics.
Ancient Secrets: Some believe they uncovered mysterious, powerful knowledge.
Secret Tunnels: Found tunnels led to endless speculation about underground lairs.

These myths have inspired countless books, movies, and wild tales. While the truth is that the Templars did occupy the Temple Mount, there’s no real evidence to support these sensational stories.

3. Baphomet and Black Magic

When it comes to Hollywood, the Knights Templar have often been cast in the dark shadow of Baphomet and black magic.

They were accused of worshipping Baphomet, a figure that was alleged to have a goat’s head.
This originates from medieval accusations during the Inquisition, which were false.

Over time, Baphomet has been linked to Satanic rituals and other gothic imagery. This character has been transformed by movies into a spooky, evil figure. Yet, historically, there's no real evidence linking the Templars to this goat-headed entity.

Movies love a good villain, and Baphomet fits the bill perfectly. The dark aesthetics and eerie associations make for great cinema, even if it's far from the truth.

The idea that the Templars were involved in black magic or worshiping demons is simply a sensational myth. They were more likely to be early bankers than occultists.

While Hollywood loves to mix fact and fiction, the story of the Templars and Baphomet is largely a work of creative imagination, making for great thrillers and horror movies.

4. Holy Grail Defenders

The Knights Templar are often linked to the quest for the Holy Grail. This connection comes from medieval legends that have captured imaginations for centuries.

The Holy Grail is said to be the cup that Jesus used during the Last Supper. Many stories claim that the Templars were its secret protectors.

Movies and books love this idea. Characters like Indiana Jones and plots from novels like The Da Vinci Code have made the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail a classic adventure trope.

Here are some common myths about the Templars and the Grail:

Templars' Sole Mission: The Templars didn’t just hunt for the Grail; they had many roles like protecting pilgrims and fighting in the Crusades.
Hidden Treasures: Legends suggest they hid the Grail and other treasures, but there's no historical proof.
Eternal Guardians: The idea that they are still waiting to protect the Grail adds mystery but isn’t grounded in fact.

While these stories are fun, they mostly come from creative minds rather than historical records.

5. Friday the 13th Curse

Hollywood loves to make Friday the 13th seem super spooky. But one big Hollywood myth is that this date is cursed because of the Knights Templar.

It's often said that on Friday, October 13, 1307, many Templar knights were suddenly arrested by King Philip IV of France. People think this is why we now view Friday the 13th as unlucky.

Here's why this story is misleading:

The link between Friday the 13th and bad luck didn't show up until the 20th century.
The Templars' arrests happened, but they weren't the start of the Friday the 13th superstition.
The fear of Friday the 13th actually has no deep historical roots.

While it's true the Templars faced rough times on a Friday the 13th, the idea of the date being cursed came much later. It's more Hollywood flash than historical fact.

6. Mysterious Disappearances

When it comes to the Knights Templar, Hollywood loves a good vanishing act. Mysteries and disappearances go hand-in-hand with Templar lore.

Legend says the Templars hid their vast treasures just before they were arrested in 1307. This has prompted countless movies to spin tales of secret maps and hidden vaults.

A popular myth is that the Templars escaped with the Holy Grail or the Ark of the Covenant. These relics supposedly vanished along with the knights, adding layers of intrigue.

Here are some biggest misconceptions:

Lost Treasures: The idea that Templars hid endless gold and relics before disappearing.
Secret Escapes: Legends about knights mysteriously vanishing from sight, dodging their pursuers.

In truth, many Templars were arrested, tried, and executed.

But hey, who's counting facts when secret tunnels and coded messages are so fun to watch?

7. International Banking Cartel

The Knights Templar did more than swing swords and fight battles; they also dabbled in banking. Think of them as medieval bankers in chain mail.

These warrior monks invented a system that let travelers deposit money in Europe and withdraw it in the Holy Land. Who wants to carry gold on a dangerous journey?

Here are the biggest myths about their banking system:

Secret Cartel: Some legends say the Templars ran a secret international banking cartel. Not true. They were just really good at banking.
Unlimited Wealth: The Templars were wealthy, but they didn't have a treasure trove hidden away. Sorry, no hidden gold stash.
Modern Bank Inventors: They were pioneers, but modern banking evolved over centuries. They didn't single-handedly invent it.

Their banking system was advanced for its time, but calling it an "international cartel" is a stretch. They were more like clever entrepreneurs meeting a need.

Their success in banking did make them rich and influential, which led to jealousy and rumors. Human nature hasn't changed much.

So, while they were trailblazers in finance, let's not give them too much credit. They were good at what they did, but they weren't hiding piles of gold.

8. Guardians of the Ark

The idea that the Knights Templar were guardians of the Ark of the Covenant has become a favorite in Hollywood.

Films like “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark” have played a huge role in spreading this myth.

In reality, there is no solid evidence the Templars ever had the Ark or even sought it.

Some common misconceptions about the Templars and the Ark:

They did secret rituals involving the Ark
They hid it in a mysterious location
They used it to wield incredible power

The Templars were real and influential, but they were not magical keepers of ancient artifacts.

Their main role was protecting pilgrims and managing wealth, not holding onto legendary objects.

Despite the lack of evidence, the myth still gets a lot of attention.

It's fun to imagine, but remember, it's just a story!

9. Hidden Map to Atlantis

The notion that the Knights Templar had a hidden map to Atlantis is one of Hollywood's wildest fantasies. Movies and conspiracy theories love to paint these knights as keepers of all sorts of secret knowledge, but let's get real—where's the evidence?

There's a lot of hype around these secret maps.

They make the Templars seem like treasure hunters.
They connect the knights to ancient civilizations.
They add a layer of mystery and excitement.

While it makes for a great movie plot, it's a huge leap from history. The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order. Their main goals were fighting in the Crusades and protecting pilgrims.

No historical records show any credible link between the Templars and Atlantis.

It's fascinating to think about ancient maps and hidden cities, but these stories often overshadow their real history. They were more concerned with real cities—like Jerusalem.

In truth, the Templars were pretty straightforward guys.

They fought in battles.
They managed estates.
They never went on secret missions to Atlantis.

So, while the hidden map to Atlantis makes for thrilling storytelling, it's far from the truth.

10. Lost Scrolls of Solomon

Hollywood loves a good treasure hunt, and the Knights Templar often find themselves at the center of these myths. One recurring myth is about the "Lost Scrolls of Solomon."

Rumor has it that the Knights Templar discovered ancient scrolls under Solomon's Temple. These scrolls supposedly contained secrets of immense wisdom and power.

Movies hint that these scrolls could change the course of history. They suggest that hidden knowledge could make or break civilizations.

Biggest Misconceptions:

Treasure Trove: The scrolls are often depicted as part of a treasure hoard, but there's no evidence they even exist.
Ancient Knowledge: Films suggest the scrolls have magical or super-advanced knowledge, but medieval manuscripts wouldn't hold modern-day mysteries.
Temple Connection: The Templars did base themselves on Temple Mount, but no scrolls were ever found there.

The idea is thrilling but purely fictional. There's no historical record mentioning these scrolls. Hollywood just loves to blend fact with fiction for a great story.

Origins of the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar started with humble beginnings but quickly grew into a powerful and influential order in medieval Europe. Here's how they began and expanded.

Founding and Mission

The Knights Templar were founded in 1119 by Hugues de Payens, a French knight, and a small group of followers. They formed to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, where dangers lurked around every corner.

Their mission was deeply religious. These knights took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They considered themselves warrior monks, combining combat skills with spiritual devotion. Their headquarters was in the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a holy site with rich biblical significance.

Expansion and Influence

The order's growth was rapid. With the support of Bernard of Clairvaux, a powerful abbot, the Templars gained official recognition from the Catholic Church in 1129. This endorsement brought them donations of money, land, and recruits.

They soon established a widespread network of fortifications and properties across Europe and the Middle East. Their military prowess was a key factor in many crusades. Besides fighting, they innovated in finance, setting up an early form of banking.

Their influence extended beyond military and financial domains. They became advisors to monarchs and influential figures. Despite their powerful status, their fall was as dramatic as their rise, marking a significant chapter in medieval history.

Hollywood Interpretations

Hollywood has long been fascinated with the Knights Templar, painting them as mysterious figures wrapped in armor and shrouded in enigma. Key elements appearing frequently include their persona as warriors, secret societies, and the search for hidden treasures.

The Knight's Persona

In movies, the Knights Templar are often depicted as heroic, mysterious warriors. Think of them as medieval superheroes. Films like Indiana Jones and National Treasure show them as protectors of ancient secrets and fighters against dark forces.

Noble and Brave: Always ready to save the day.
Mystery: Often hidden under helmets, making them seem more enigmatic.
Unrelenting Duty: Committed to their cause, sometimes to a fault.

These characters, while entertaining, can sometimes oversimplify the complex history and roles these knights actually played.

Secret Societies and Conspiracies

Hollywood loves a good secret society, and the Knights Templar fit the bill perfectly. They are often portrayed as keepers of ancient and forbidden knowledge, which leads to many conspiracy theories in films.

Guardians of Secrets: Often shown protecting ancient relics or wisdom.
Connections to Modern Groups: Movies suggest they influenced groups like the Freemasons.
Shadowy Figures: Always operating in the dark, pulling strings behind the scenes.

These depictions fuel fantasies about hidden truths but often stray far from the historical reality.

The Templar Treasure

One of the most popular myths is the immense treasure supposedly hidden by the Templars. Hollywood capitalizes on this with stories of treasure hunts and hidden maps.

Lost Wealth: Rumored to have amassed great wealth.
Hidden Locations: Films suggest treasures buried in secret places around the world.
Mystical Power: Often linked to powerful relics like the Holy Grail.

These treasure tales are thrilling but usually based more on legend than fact.

Hollywood loves to add layers of drama and mystery to the Templars, creating engaging stories that capture the imagination. Yet, these stories often stretch, or even break, historical truths for the sake of entertainment.

Debunking Popular Myths

The Knights Templar have intrigued people for ages, inspiring many myths. They are seen as eternal protectors with hidden secrets. Here, we break down some of these misconceptions.

The Templars as Timeless Guardians

Myth: The Knights Templar protected secret treasures for centuries.

The Knights Templar were indeed powerful and wealthy during their time. They started as a religious military order in the Crusades around the late 11th century. Their main job was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. However, their influence didn’t last forever.

By the early 1300s, they faced accusations of heresy from the King of France, leading to their downfall. The idea that the Templars continued as secret guardians is more fiction than fact. There is no solid evidence to prove they carried on in secret after their dissolution in 1312. Hollywood loves the idea, but history tells a different story.

Biggest misconceptions:

Eternal protectors of holy relics.
Secretly survived through the centuries.
Always controlling events behind the scenes.

Hidden Templar Secrets

Myth: The Knights Templar hid vast secrets, like the Holy Grail.

The Knights Templar have been linked to many legendary secrets, especially the Holy Grail. Many believe they hid these treasures to keep them safe. Realistically, though, their rise and fall were straightforward. They amassed wealth but didn’t necessarily stash away legendary items.

The Templars were practical military monks, not secretive treasure keepers. The mystery surrounding them has been polished by fiction and conspiracy theories. In modern culture, they’re often depicted as hiding extraordinary secrets, but most of these stories are unfounded.

Major myths about hidden secrets:

Custodians of the Holy Grail.
Keepers of hidden arcane knowledge.
Concealed treasures all over Europe.