At the end of April 2021, the “Salzburg International Templar Studies Network” was founded at the Faculty of Law in cooperation with the Interfaculty Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Neuropsychiatry at the University of Salzburg by Prof. J. M. Rainer, Prof. F. Monticelli, Assoz. Prof. Jan Cemper Kiesslich and PD Daniele Mattiangeli.

The project ist partnered by the Province, City and Archdiocese of Salzburg. In addition, patronage has been sought from the Holy See.

This is the first recognised university research group to scientifically reconstruct both historical and scientific aspects of the Knights Templar.

Cooperation between national and international academia

The research group “Salzburg International Templar Studies Network – On the Trail of the Knights Templar” is an association of national and international experts. They have come together to conduct multidisciplinary research, which builds on the discovery of what is presumed to be the tomb of Arnau de Torroja, Grand Master of the Knights Templar. The experts also hope to reprocess the historical documents on the decline of the order.

The findings obtained through this cooperation have already been made available to the public. The group, an interdisciplinary research platform, is both the initiator and coordinator of this work. Within the group’s knowledge transfer (e.g. through publications and science-to-public events), experts aim to inform all interested parties on the most recent updates, as well as offer insights into research progress – following in the (scientific) footsteps of the Knights Templar, so to speak.

The tomb of Arnau de Torroja in San Fermo in Verona

The work began in 2019 with the study of the tomb of Arnau de Torroja in San Fermo in Verona. This was followed by sorting and analysing documents in the Vatican Secret Archives and the Archive Nationale in Paris. Within a short period of time, further research partners were acquired, which means that the work can now benefit from numerous networks.

As a result of finding documents relating to the ban on excommunication and banishment of the Knights Templar in 1265, it has been possible to initiate proceedings for the rehabilitation of the Order of the Knights Templar after more than 700 years. This is an initial interim result with immediate and topical implications!

The research group works closely within the network and is committed to systematically studying and historically reconstructing the story of the Order of the Templars. Renowned institutions have promised access to further Templar graves and other burials which are highly relevant to the history of the Church.

________________________________________

Link to the website:  https://templars.sbg.ac.at