The Dark Truth About the Knights Templar | Redacted Files

The history of the Knights Templar is a story of power, wealth, and a devastating royal conspiracy. On Friday, October 13th, 1307, King Philip IV of France, who was deeply in debt to the order, ordered the mass arrest of the knights on false charges of heresy. Using widespread torture to coerce confessions, Philip pressured Pope Clement V to dissolve the Templars. Before being burned at the stake, Grand Master Jacques de Molay cursed the king and pope, who both died soon after, starting the Friday the 13th superstition.