FROM THE PERSECUTION OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARY TO THE LAND OF SANTA CRUZ

the beginning of a global empire under the influence of the Order of Christ

Abstract

It is not possible to talk about Portugal’s history without understand the period of maritime expansion that took place after the beginning of the 14th century. However, to understand how the transformation of an agrarian kingdom into a world maritime exploration power took place, we must understand who the actors were involved, one of them the Order of Christ, direct heir of the Order of the Templar Knights. In this way, this article aims to analyze how the process of extinction of the Templars unfolded in the consolidation of a new order of chivalry in the Portuguese kingdom, observing what were the technological, financial and military contributions that made possible the Portuguese pioneering spirit in navigating the globe. For this, primary sources will be used, such as documents that governed both orders, in addition to the historiography available on both subjects, enabling an expanded analysis of the paths adopted and the connection between the orders. As a result, it was possible to observe a clear connection between the orders, especially with regard to the principles raised at the time of their foundations. On the other hand, the use of such values ​​by the Portuguese Empire as one of the motivators of the civilizing missions undertaken by Portuguese ships from the 15th century onwards was also clear.