The historical significance of the Knights Templar is how they were Catholic warrior monks. They considered themselves to be crusading soldiers of God. A new network of hidden tunnels was recently discovered by researchers located underneath the Israeli city of Acre. They are believed to have been built by the Knights Templar and used to go from the shore to their treasure tower.
Knights Templar Control
The Knights Templar were in control of the city of Acre for approximately 100 years. This happened when the Templars lost their Jerusalem headquarters in 1187 to Saladin, who was a Muslim Ruler. The objective of the Knights Templar monks was to protect and help advance Christianity. They trained as skilled fighters and achieved their objectives by engaging in warfare. The order was also able to collect a significant amount of funds to support the Crusades.
Years Of Excavations
Unearthing the historical relics left by the Knights Templar order required years of excavation work. In 1312, the order was disbanded by Pope Clement V due to the conflicts between the crusading monks and King Philip IV of France. The excavation was made part of a documentary called Lost Cities. It was done by National Geographic. Archaeologists utilized a type of ranging technology and light detection system known as LiDAR. This technology makes it possible to detect hidden artifacts beneath the surface of the earth. It is combined with aerial scanning to create 3D maps that are extremely accurate.
Fall Of Jerusalem
Right after Jerusalem fell and was taken over by Saladin, Pope Gregory VIII asked the three Christian monarchs of Europe, the rulers of England, France, and Germany, to have a crusade to take back the Holy land. The first major battle of this campaign took place at Acre, located on the coast of Israel. This was the Third Crusade and did not succeed. It did result in a treaty that made it possible for Christian pilgrims to travel safely to the Holy Land.
Knights Templar’s Fortress
An area in the Port of Acre in Israel was scanned. This is the location where the fortress headquarters for Knights Templar stood over 700 years ago. The LiDAR scan discovered a network of tunnels. There also appears to be a guardhouse beneath the ground.
Transport Treasure
It is believed by researchers that the tunnels they discovered could have connected the city’s port to the Knights Templar fortress. This would have made it possible for the Templars to take their treasure to their tower safely after unloading it from ships. Researchers also believe the Knights Templar treasure, as well as their command center, remains hidden.
LiDAR Technology
This technology has shown it can significantly improve ways of scouring for hidden artifacts. It can do this without making it necessary for archaeologists to perform excavations. In Cambodia, there was a team of researchers using LiDAR technology who were able to detect the lost city of the Khmer Empire. It was uncovered deep in the mountainous jungles in Cambodia. It is a place where there are many landmines. This made the area virtually impossible for researchers to physically examine.
Discoveries of ancient artifacts are occurring all over the world with the help of the LiDAR system. There is certainly more treasures buried underneath the surface of the earth to be discovered in the future. These discoveries may not all involve gold, but they will all provide enlightenment concerning the world’s history.
