The Knights Templar, a medieval order of warrior-monks, are shrouded in mystery and speculation. While some of their history is documented, their mysterious nature has led to numerous theories about hidden "secrets." Below are five commonly discussed "secrets" associated with the Knights Templar, blending historical analysis with popular legends. Note that some of these are speculative and not fully substantiated by historical evidence.

1. The Holy Grail and Sacred Relics 

The Templars are often linked to the Holy Grail, believed by some to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, or a symbolic object of divine power. Legends suggest they discovered it during their time in Jerusalem, possibly in the Temple of Solomon, and hid it in a secret location.

Based in Jerusalem, the Templars excavated areas around the Temple Mount, leading to speculation they uncovered sacred relics like the Grail, the Ark of the Covenant, or fragments of the True Cross. No definitive evidence supports these claims, but their wealth and access to holy sites fueled myths. Some theories propose they guarded these relics in Europe, with locations like Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland or Oak Island in Canada suggested as hiding places.

2. Advanced Financial System 

The Templars developed a sophisticated banking system, effectively creating one of the earliest forms of international banking, which gave them immense wealth and influence. They issued letters of credit, allowing pilgrims to deposit money in one Templar preceptory and withdraw it at another, minimizing the risk of robbery. This system, combined with their management of royal treasuries (e.g., for the French crown), made them financial pioneers. Their wealth led to envy and their eventual downfall. Some believe they used secret codes or financial knowledge, possibly derived from Middle Eastern contacts, to protect their transactions, contributing to their mystique.

3. Esoteric Knowledge and Gnosticism 

The Templars are rumored to have possessed esoteric or heretical knowledge, possibly influenced by Gnostic or Eastern traditions, which they kept hidden from the Catholic Church. Their exposure to Islamic and Jewish scholars in the Holy Land, combined with their excavations, may have introduced them to alternative spiritual ideas. During their trials in the early 14th century, they were accused of heresy, including denying Christ or worshipping an idol called "Baphomet," though these confessions were likely coerced under torture. Some modern theories suggest they preserved forbidden texts or mystical teachings, influencing later secret societies like the Freemasons.

4. Hidden Treasure 

The Templars allegedly amassed a vast treasure, both material and spiritual, which disappeared after their order was dissolved in 1312. They controlled significant wealth, including gold, silver, and land across Europe. When King Philip IV of France arrested them in 1307, much of their treasure was unaccounted for, leading to speculation it was hidden. Their fleet at La Rochelle reportedly vanished, possibly carrying riches to safety. Popular theories point to hiding spots in Scotland, Portugal, or even the New World, with some linking the Templars to later treasure hunts like those on Oak Island.

5. Survival of the Order 

Despite their official dissolution, some believe the Templars survived in secret, continuing their mission through other organizations or underground networks. After the order was disbanded, some Templars joined other military orders like the Knights Hospitaller or fled to regions like Scotland, where excommunication was less enforced (e.g., under Robert the Bruce). Their organizational structure influenced later groups, including the Freemasons. Legends suggest they went underground, preserving their rituals and knowledge in secret societies such as the Freemasons, or even influencing modern institutions. The Portuguese Order of Christ, which absorbed former Templars, is cited as a possible continuation.

Much of what is considered a "secret" of the Knights Templar comes from a mix of historical records, medieval chroniclers, and later romanticized accounts (e.g., 19th-century occultists or modern fiction like The Da Vinci Code). Primary sources, such as Templar trial documents or chroniclers like William of Tyre, provide limited evidence for sensational claims like the Grail or Baphomet. Archaeological evidence from Templar sites (e.g., Temple Mount digs) shows their activities but no definitive relics. Web searches and posts on X often amplify these legends, with users discussing Oak Island or Freemason connections, but these lack scholarly consensus.