Templars

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Military religious order founded in Jerusalem 1119–20 to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. They played an important part in the Crusades of the 12th and 13th centuries. Innocent II placed them under direct papal authority in 1139, and their international links allowed them to adapt to the 13th-century decline of the Crusader states by becoming Europe's bankers. The Templars' independence, power, and wealth, rather than their alleged heresy, probably motivated Philip IV of France, helped by the Avignon pope Clement V, to suppress the order in 1307–14.

The colours are derived from the state coat of arms of 1364. The Scandinavian cross is taken from the Danish flag. Effective date: 22 June 1906. >>