Монахи войны. История военно-монашеских орденов от возникновения до XVIII века

The book by the British historian Desmond Seward is devoted to the history of military monastic associations: the orders of the Templars and Hospitallers who fought against the infidels in Palestine; the Teutonic Order and its clashes with the Prussians and Slavic peoples; the Spanish and Portuguese orders of Santiago, Calatrava and Alcantara and their participation in the Reconquista; as well as obscure brotherhoods such as the orders of Saint Thomas and Montegaudio. In addition to describing battles and political intrigues with the participation of knights and masters, the author describes in detail the dress code, symbols and weapons, lifestyle, hierarchy and charter typical for orders. In addition, the author talks about individual personalities who, either due to their heroism and outstanding talents, or, on the contrary, special vices and atrocities, left a significant mark on the history of the orders.