The years from 1,000 to 1,500 AD have been a fertile ground for many politico-religious organisations in the western world. Some of them were linked to the Catholic Church - the only important church of that time - but some were preaching another creed and as such were described as heretical by the Pope.

This document aims to look at the differences and the similarities between three groups:

- The Cathars lived in the 12th to 14th century, mainly in Languedoc, France. Their doctrine was a reaction to the abuses of the Catholic Church. They required their members to live a ?pure life? in direct contradiction to the behaviour of the Catholic clergy. They were, in some ways, the followers of a previous sect known as the Bogomils that flourished in the Balkans. Their doctrine had nothing to do with Christianity; they were first declared heretics by the Christian Church, and then persecuted and exterminated during a crusade organised by the current Pope.
- The Templars. They were members of a military-religious order, who was initially created, with the approval of the Pope, to defend the pilgrims that went to the Holy land following the success of the crusades. They soon started to participate directly and successfully in the fight against the Muslims. Even after they had to leave the Holy Land they were rich and powerful. The King of France for various reasons accused them of being heretics and the Pope agreed with the king. The knights were arrested, tortured and condemned and their order was dissolved. [read more]

- The Knights of Malta ?their real name was ?Hospitallers of St John?- were, like the Templars, members of a military-religious order approved by the Catholic Church. They cured the pilgrims in the Holy land as well as the crusaders. Soon they participated, often together with the Templars, in the battles against the Muslims and they distinguished themselves for their bravery. They had to come back to Western Europe after the muslins took back the Holy land. They are still active today in social activities, mainly helping the poor and needy. The order is still recognised by the Catholic Church.

A few pages are dedicated to the Rose Croix and the Prieuré ¤e Sion as well as to the strange but interesting legend of Rennes-le-Chateau, and the mysteries linked to the priest Bé²¥nger Sauniè²¥.

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