King Philip IV of France orders the arrest of the Knights Templar on October 13, 1307, leading to their suppression and persecution. The actions were fueled by his financial debts to the order and a desire for their wealth and power.
The Templars were accused of heresy and other charges, and many were tortured to extract confessions. Pope Clement V eventually dissolved the order in 1312 at the Council of Vienne under pressure from Philip. Much of the order's assets were seized by Philip, despite being officially designated for the Knights Hospitaller.
