The Knights Templar, a medieval military order founded in the Holy Land in 1118, rose to prominence during the Crusades. These religious wars were launched by Western European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The Templars, with their distinctive red crosses and white mantles, were initially tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. However, they soon evolved into a formidable military force, renowned for their discipline, courage, and strategic brilliance.