Crosses carved by Templars and crusaders
Down in the crypt of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem – the church built over the site of Christ’s crucifixion – there are crosses carved high up on one of the pillars. Here is my photo of them.
The Templar Knight
This blog discusses all aspects of the Knights Templar and wider issues about the Middle Ages, faith and history. Your comments are very welcome. History bloggers can also post here by request. It's also hoped you will upload the Templar adventure "Quest for the True Cross" – a thoroughly researched and very exciting Templar adventure!
Reblogged this on hermetic order for humans and commented:
This photo of crosses carved in Jerusalem comes from Tony’s blog. Tony is a historian of the Knights Templar, who is soon to publish what looks to be a splendid novel.
If the Knights Templar are initiates, as legend has it, what is the significance of the cross, beyond its Christian symbolism?
HI!
First, thank you for letting me find You!!!
And please fogive my ignorance…why were they made there??
Thank You!
God Love You ♥
Hi – some of the crosses are from pilgrims but others from crusaders/Templars from the time the church was built in the twelfth century. The pilgrims’ crosses – I was told – tend to be at ground level where they could easily have carved them right up to modern times. But the ones higher up are bigger and, shall we say, more Templar shaped. In the dim light of the crypt, they were very evocative – quite beautiful. Tony
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
And thank you for the explanation
are you sure they are Templar crosses?
what makes you say that?
Hi – I was told by a guide but….I’m happy to be corrected. The Templars were involved with the Holy Sepulchre church in the crusader era and the positioning of the crosses – and their size – suggested that ordinary pilgrims had not scrawled them as they wandered round…and you do see lots of little crosses carved at ground level. But, as with all these things, I realise it’s open to interpretation and I’m happy to hear an alternative view. Keep reading – and commenting! Tony