Templierii

: The Order developed a sophisticated financial network. Pilgrims could deposit assets in their home country and withdraw them in the Holy Land using a "letter of credit," making the Templiers the preeminent bankers of the Crusades .

To explore the historical reality versus the myths, consider these authoritative works: templierii

: Their immense wealth and influence eventually led to their downfall. In 1307, King Philip IV of France, heavily in debt to the order, ordered the mass arrest of Templiers on charges of heresy and financial corruption. : The Order developed a sophisticated financial network