Summary of Brian Dunning's Conspiracies Declassified

Book excerpt: Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Knights Templar were a legendary Catholic order that was involved in just about every major power shift of the past thousand years. According to conspiracy theorists, the order still exists today as a secret society whose members include many of the world’s elite. #2 The Knights Templar was one of many monastic orders created under the authority of the Catholic Church following the success of the First Crusade. They were tasked with protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, and they took inspiration from the location for their name. #3 The Knights Templar were a Christian charity that sought wealthy donors and sponsors. They were able to self-fund through investment and lending, and their influence increased. However, they were eventually condemned for debt and executed by the French king Philip IV. #4 The end of the Templars is more complicated than what you see in movies and TV shows. The church formally merged the assets of the Templars and the Hospitallers in 1312, and the Knights Templar were formally dissolved in 1312.