- Gilbert Horal
Gilbert Horal (died December 1200) was the 12th Grand Master of the
Knights Templar .He was born an Aragonaise (from
Aragon inSpain ), and entered the Templars at a young age. He stayed in the provinces ofProvence and Aragon, where he took part in the battles ofReconquista , and became Grand Master of the province until 1190. In 1193, after the death ofRobert de Sablé , he became Grand Master of the Order, and in 1194,Pope Céléstin III gave the Templars more privileges.Horal was known for wanting peace between the
Christians and theMoslems , though some disagreed and thought that this showed treason and collusion with the enemy.During his leadership the quarrel between the Templars and
Hospitaliers increased. The arbitration of PopeInnocent III was in favour of the Hospitaliers because the Pope could not forgive the Templars for making the agreements that they had withMalek-Adel , brother ofSaladin .Another of Gilbert Horal's accomplishments was that he took the time to organize and consolidate the possessions of the Templars in
France andApulia .In Spain, the Templars took an active part in the Reconquista, and were given the fortress of
Alhambra by Alfonso II of Aragon as a reward for their efforts in the battle.See also
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History of the Knights Templar
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