Who were the Teutonic Knights?

Established in 1190 in Acre Israel, the Teutonic Knights were a religious and military order that, similar to the Hospitallers, started by providing medical care and safeguarding Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. However, the Teutonic Order quickly transformed into a formidable military force and emerged as one of the dominant military orders in Europe.

Mergentheim Palace in Bad Mergentheim, built in the 12th century, functioned as the primary headquarters for the Teutonic Order until 1809.

Following the Knights conquest of Prussia, Lithuania, and parts of Poland, the Order suffered a decisive defeat in 1410 at the Battle of Grunwald against a Polish-Lithuanian army.

Following their defeat in 1410, the Order started to lose their military influence. As time passed, the Order became aware of their declining power and started concealing their riches not just in Europe, but also across the globe.

Following Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion and takeover of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, he quickly eliminated the Teutonic Order and redistributed their remaining territories and possessions. This was the decisive blow for the Order, leading to its complete dissolution in both military and political spheres.

Today, the Teutonic Order remains in existence, operating as a clerical and charitable institution governed by papal law.