When people hear the name Knights Templar, they often picture armored warriors riding across deserts, guarding pilgrims, or protecting sacred relics during the Crusades. Yet many also wonder whether this famous order still exists in some form today. Are the Knights Templar gone forever, or have they simply changed names and continued in new organizations? This question has sparked curiosity for centuries, leading to stories about secret societies, hidden successors, and modern groups that claim to carry on the Templar legacy. The truth is more complex and less mysterious than legends suggest, but it is still fascinating. Understanding what the Knights Templar are called today requires looking at history, religion, and several modern organizations that draw inspiration from the original order.
The Original
The Knights Templar, officially known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, were founded in the early 12th century. Their mission was simple at first protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Over time, they grew into a powerful military and financial organization with land, castles, and influence across Europe and the Middle East.
Their white mantles marked with a red cross became symbols of discipline and devotion. They combined the life of monks with the duties of soldiers, following strict religious vows while fighting in battles. For nearly two centuries, they played a major role in the Crusades and European politics.
However, their wealth and independence made them enemies. In the early 14th century, they were arrested, accused of crimes, and eventually disbanded. This dramatic fall led many people to believe the order vanished completely.
What Happened After the Order Was Dissolved?
In 1312, the Pope officially suppressed the Templar order. Their properties were seized or transferred, and many members were imprisoned or forced to join other religious groups. Some historians believe former Templars blended into society or joined similar orders.
Importantly, there is no clear historical proof that the original organization continued secretly. Most evidence shows it was formally ended. Still, the Templar spirit and traditions influenced later groups, which is why people today still talk about modern Knights Templar.
Rather than one direct continuation, several separate organizations adopted the name or ideals over time.
Modern Groups Inspired by the Templars
When asking what the Knights Templar are called today, the answer depends on context. There are religious, fraternal, and symbolic groups that use the Templar name, but they are not the same as the medieval order. Instead, they are inspired by its history and values.
These modern groups usually focus on charity, fellowship, or spiritual development rather than warfare.
The
A Masonic Organization
One of the most well-known modern uses of the Templar name appears in Freemasonry. Within the Masonic system, there is a body commonly called the Knights Templar. This group is part of the York Rite branch of Masonry.
Members participate in ceremonial rituals that reference Christian chivalry and medieval symbolism. They use the Templar name to honor ideals like honor, loyalty, and service. However, they are not direct descendants of the historical knights.
Instead of fighting battles, these members focus on charity work, moral teachings, and brotherhood. Their activities are social and philanthropic rather than military or political.
Why They Use the Name
The Masonic Knights Templar adopted the name because it represents courage, faith, and dedication. The symbolism helps create a sense of tradition and connection to the past. For many members, it is more about values than historical lineage.
The
Another group sometimes confused with the Templars is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Although not the same organization, it shares similar origins in the Crusades. Like the Templars, this order protected pilgrims and provided medical care.
Unlike the Templars, it was never dissolved and continues to exist today. It now focuses on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance around the world. Because of these similarities, some people assume it is a modern form of the Templars, but historically they are separate orders.
Still, it shows how medieval religious orders can evolve into peaceful charitable institutions.
Neo-Templar and Revival Groups
In recent centuries, various independent organizations have claimed to revive the Knights Templar. These groups often call themselves Templar Orders or Modern Templars. Their goals vary widely.
- Some focus on Christian spirituality
- Some promote historical reenactment
- Others work on charity projects
- A few simply use the name for symbolic identity
Most of these groups are small and not officially connected to the Catholic Church or any recognized historical line. They should be seen as modern associations inspired by the legend rather than true continuations.
Myths About Secret Survival
Popular culture often suggests that the Knights Templar survived in secret. Books and movies show them hiding treasures, guarding ancient relics, or controlling world events from the shadows. While these stories are entertaining, historians generally find little evidence to support such claims.
For example, works of fiction like by helped spread the idea of hidden Templar societies. These stories blend fact and imagination, making it hard for readers to separate history from fantasy.
In reality, most modern uses of the Templar name are open and public, not secret or conspiratorial.
What Do We Call Them Today?
If we answer the question simply, the original Knights Templar no longer exist as a medieval military order. Today, the name appears in different forms depending on the group
- Masonic Knights Templar within Freemasonry
- Charitable or religious Templar-inspired orders
- Historical or reenactment societies
- Symbolic organizations using Templar heritage
Each uses the name differently, but none operate as armored warrior monks protecting pilgrims. The role has changed with modern society.
The Enduring Appeal of the Templar Name
So why does the Templar name continue to survive after so many centuries? The answer lies in symbolism. The Knights Templar represent bravery, sacrifice, faith, and mystery. These qualities make the name powerful and attractive for modern groups seeking a strong identity.
People naturally feel drawn to organizations with deep historical roots. By adopting the Templar label, groups connect themselves to a legendary past. Even if the connection is symbolic rather than direct, the emotional impact remains strong.
The story of the Templars has become part of cultural memory. It appears in novels, games, films, and historical discussions, keeping the legacy alive long after the original order disappeared.
When asking what the Knights Templar are called today, it is important to separate history from myth. The medieval order itself ended in the 14th century and does not exist in its original form. However, its name and ideals live on through several modern organizations, especially the Masonic Knights Templar and other charitable or symbolic groups.
Rather than secret armies or hidden guardians, today’s Templars are usually community-focused, spiritual, or fraternal organizations. They carry forward the image of honor and service, not the sword and shield. In this way, the legacy of the Knights Templar continues, transformed to fit the needs of the modern world while still reminding us of a dramatic and fascinating chapter of medieval history.