L’Ordre du Temple dans la Basse Vallée du Rhône (1124–1312) by Damien Carraz
Michael J. Peixoto
Reviewed by: L’Ordre du Temple dans la Basse Vallée Rhône (1124–1312) by Damien Carraz Michael Peixoto (1124–1312). By Carraz. (Lyon: Lyon University Press. 2020. Pp. 608. €35,00. ISBN: 9782729712129.) Originally published in 2005, this edition offers an updated re-issue of one the most important recent contributions to history military orders and Crusades. While Dr. Carraz’s work centers on lower region, implications his detailed study show how Templar activity region rippled through medieval world. As area that provided both rural economic opportunities, access Mediterranean trade routes, a legacy Carolingian culture, persisting Roman urban centers, valley ideal case for outside Holy Land. brings together comprehensive documentary records (1,600 documents) Knights along with archeological narrative sources. Such exhaustive research allows examine nearly every aspect life. He estimates numbers written transactions, populations houses, tenure individual commanders, internal organizational structures house, patronage relationships regional elites name just few (chapter 5). The sources Templars south France are especially rich unique as local houses compiled cartularies, like their northern counterparts, but also drew from notarial culture more routine transactional practices accompanied it. In twelfth thirteenth centuries, were omnipresent feature social geographical landscape France. Their earliest establishments recorded donations dating 1124, five years before official foundations order Council Troyes (p. 82). much nobility supported Templars, who able tap into fervor crusading support, property attained came way purchase. consolidated land, making buying selling maximize efficiency. distinguishes activities semi-urban showing draw networks greater capital ports, markets, roads, while focused natural resources. similarly utilized diversity appeal different types supporters. [End Page 185] played role religious southern Part early enthusiasm founding experience inter-religious conflict specifically fear Muslim piracy 55). But offered engage life beyond traditional monasticism. capacity, they performed many similar functions Benedictine such memorializing donors offering Masses, community extended ranks nobility. explains downfall trials 1307 subsequent Vienne abrupt change, was foreseeable. dismisses heresy charges leveled against them does point out membership had declined end century. Estates often inhabited only brothers. some persisted even past trial, popularity seems have waned other popular movements, mendicants, rose replace them. is essential reading those interested Military Orders, real contribution comes he connects wider context. working abundance sources, elucidates intersection life, devotion royal papal politics. this, clearly shows should not be thought peripheral part history, rather embodiment its conceptual innovations, economics changes, movements. University...
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