King Philip IV, Royal Templar-Hunter

Needless to say, the Inquisition was corrupted by kings. One such king was Philip IV. In 1291 Acre, most of the Knights Templar were killed. The remainder retired to their estates where they became one of the wealthiest groups in Europe. They became bankers and provided loans to Philip IV.

Not feeling the burning desire to honour these loans, in 1307 Philip IV officially turned on the Knights Templar. He accused the Templars of Devil worship, and set the Inquisitors upon them.

Every Templar was arrested. Torture was applied, and ample proof of the charges was soon after discovered. Pope Clement sent commissioners to try the Templars, but the Templars repudiated their confessions before these commissioners. Philip IV ordered fifty Templars burnt as an example, resulting in the complete recantation of their prior repudiation.

Pope Clement dissolved the Knights Templar and Philip IV took all of their money. The Pope said to give the money to the Hospitalers, which Philip IV did after first "deducting expenses."

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King Philip IV, Royal Templar-Hunter copyrighted 1996-1998 to Shantell Powell.