The Crusades brought The Knights Templar wealth and power more than any other religious order of that time. The Pope allowed the order to forgo taxation, tithing, and encouraged their self governance; because of this many of Europe’s Kings became jealous and suspicious of the order. The Knights had castles all over Europe and after the crusades they split their time between being pious monks and fighting eastern battles. Some European rulers feared a Templar uprising though this fear had no foundation.
By the 1300s Jerusalem was under Muslim rule while Europe was broken up in small and large kingdoms. France was ruled by Philip the Fair (which is an ironic name considering what he did to the order) who needed money to finance his quest to conquer the surrounding smaller countries and become the European seat of power. Phillip knew the Templers answered only to the Pope and any king who wanted complete control had to have the financial means and papal consent. Phillip saw the Knights Templar as a hindrance to his goal so naturally he had to strip them of their power and wealth.
On Friday October 13, 1307 King Phillip had the French Templars rounded up and arrested for heresy and treason. Pope Clement had consented to the arrest after Phillip had falsely accused them of all manner of immoral acts. Almost two years after being arrested most Templars were executed and in 1312 the order was dissolved. The French people were so saddened by the actions of King Phillip and shocked that the holy order was accused of such unchristian behavior that to this day, Friday the 13 is a very unlucky day.
Personally Friday the 13th has been a lucky day for me. Why just day I received a phone call from a employment agency that specializes in white collar jobs. I was shown page after page of good paying jobs I qualify for. Since my job may not be around much longer I felt this phone call was a lucky break.
How about you? How do you feel about Friday the 13th?
The View From Sari's World 
I usually feel a bit of trepidation on Friday the 13th, but mostly it’s unfounded. I find that it sets me on edge because I mentally set myself up for something bad to happen and then because I’m crabby bad things end up happening (usually in personal relationships).This was a great post dear! Sorry I was a day late on getting to it!
LikeLike
I was married on Friday the 13th, will be celebrating our 27th anniversary this summer. Now the question is, is that good or bad luck? LOL
LikeLike