The Templars (41 page)

1014
By this year over 40,000 churches have been destroyed as a result of anti-Christian pogroms incited by Hakim.

1055
Seljuk Turks take Baghdad.

1056
Muslims forbid Christian pilgrims to enter Jerusalem.

1063
The papacy gives its blessing to a Crusade against the Muslim occupation of Spain.

1064
Hundreds of unarmed Christian pilgrims are murdered within sight of Jerusalem.

1071–80
Seljuk Turks occupy Asia Minor, Syria and Palestine.

1074
The Byzantine Emperor appeals to the Pope for help but without result.

1085
Christians capture Toledo from the Muslims in Spain.

1095
Again the Byzantines appeal to the West for help. Pope Urban II calls for a Crusade to defend the Byzantine Empire against the Seljuk Turks and to liberate Jerusalem.

1099
Jerusalem is captured from the Fatimids by the First Crusade.

1113
Foundation of the Knights Hospitaller.

1119
A large party of unarmed pilgrims is attacked by Muslims and many hundreds are killed while on their way from Jerusalem to the River Jordan (Easter). Foundation of the Knights Templar (Christmas Day) to defend pilgrims and the Holy Land.

1120
At the Council of Nablus (January), the Templars are accepted in the East. Probably during this year Templars are headquartered in al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.