Medieval Berlin- Knights and Monks page 2

The Knights of the Templars were instrumental in many of the successes of the Crusades. Groups of heavily armed and Armoured Knights rode headlong into the Saracen front lines. breaking them so the Infantry could follow. An example of this was in 1177 when 500 Knights followed by several thousand Infantry defeated over 26,000 troops at Montgisard. The Knights were known for their fearlessness. They considered themselves protected by God. They pledged to fight and not to surrender or leave the Battlefield until their Flag had fallen.

Eventually the Saracens became stronger and more organized under Saladin and other commanders and pushed the Crusaders from their former strongholds until they captured the final Templar stronghold in the seaport of Acre in 1291.

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The Jakob of my imagination returned to Berlin worldly wise and war weary from the attempt to defend Acre. He had been retired several years before the fall of Acre, but stayed on to work with the sick and injured.. He was interested in the healing qualities of plants and herbs. A wealthy businessman died of Typhus on his Pilgrimage. and Jakob had nursed him during his final days. The man, having no heirs, left the Brickyard to the care of the Templars for his pilgrimage and now, knowing he would not return, gave the deed to Jokob. Jakob returned to Berlin, but knew he no longer fit into civilian life after the slaughter he had seen. He joined the Monks at Klosterstrasse and arranged for the Brickyard to be deeded to them. He then concentrated on developing the sanctuary of the Monastery complex and continued his studies as a Healer. He created a Monastery Garden for Medicinal Plants and Herbs. the first in Berlin, and there he spent the rest of his days, tending patients. in study and quiet contemplation.

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Monks making Medications. In the Middle Ages, Monasteries were the only resource for people needing Medical attention.

Liz MagnoComment