Knights Templar Commandery Network

Timeline

1. c. 1119–1150Jerusalem · JerusalemThe Knights Templar were founded in Jerusalem in 1119 and subsequently received land donations in places such as Champagne, France, establishing their first commanderies, which were responsible for recruiting knights, managing estate income, and transporting supplies and troops to the Holy Land.
2. 1150–1210Paris Temple · ParisIn the 12th century the Templar commandery network expanded rapidly into England, Spain, Italy, and Germany; the Paris Temple became the European headquarters, and each commandery centrally managed farms, pastures, and commercial income, forming a transnational logistics system.
3. 1211–1220Acre · AcreDuring the Fifth Crusade of 1217–1221, the Templar commandery network provided loans, ship rentals, and supply transport for the expedition; the Acre headquarters coordinated European commanderies in sending troops and supplies to the Egyptian theater, demonstrating the peak of the organization's operations.
4. 1220–1312France · FranceThe commandery network reached its zenith in the 13th century, but after the fall of Acre in 1291 the Holy Land bases were lost and the financial focus shifted to Europe. In 1307 King Philip IV of France arrested members of the Order, and in 1312 Pope Clement V formally dissolved the Order; the commandery network was confiscated by various states or transferred to other military orders.