The Rise & Fall of the Knights Templar

Introduction
Overview of the Knights Templar: Brief introduction to the order, its foundation, purpose, and historical significance.
Scope of the Book: Explanation of the book’s focus on the rise, peak, and decline of the Templars.

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Legend (4,000 words)
The Context of the Crusades: Political and religious climate of the 11th century.
Foundation of the Order: Creation in 1119 by Hugues de Payens and Godfrey de Saint-Omer.
Early Challenges and Establishment: Initial struggles and gaining recognition.