This new seminar study considers the origins, development and organisation of the military orders during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, showing how they functioned as a form of religious life and concentrating on their role in the crusades and in the government and defence of the Christian kingdoms in the Holy Land.

The names Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller, Teutonic Knights are the subjects of legend. They immediately evoke panoramic images of war in the Holy Land, medieval devotion and epic battles. Whether they are remembered as heroes or villains, we are constantly reminded of their deeds through films, literature and other media.

The Medieval Military Orders, 1120-1314 introduces the history of these famous institutions, covering the famous Templars and Hospitallers, but also the less well known orders such as the leprous knights of St Lazarus. Setting their history against a backdrop of social change, conquest and holy wars fought in Spain, the Baltic and the Holy Land, it asks:

· How did the military orders reconcile their Christian conscience with the conduct of war?

· How did they conduct their charitable and military activities so far from Western Christendom?

· Why were the Templars eventually dissolved? And why was their master burnt at the stake?

This new Seminar Study is supported by a comprehensive documents section, chronology, who’s who, and colour plate section. It offers a concise and thought-provoking introduction for students of medieval history, or anyone with an interest in this popular and ever-intriguing topic.

Nicholas Morton is a lecturer in history at Nottingham Trent University. He has published a number of works on the history of the crusades and the military orders including The Teutonic Knights in the Holy Land, 1190-1291.