Philippe du Plessis (1165 – 12 November 1209) served as the 13th Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Born in the fortress of Plessis-Macé, Anjou, France, he embarked on the Third Crusade in 1189, where he encountered the Order of the Temple in Palestine. Following the death of Gilbert Horal, du Plessis became Grand Master.
A significant figure in diplomacy, he played a crucial role in upholding the treaty between Saladin and Richard I, and in 1208, he proposed that the Teutonic Order and Hospi... morePhilippe du Plessis (1165 – 12 November 1209) served as the 13th Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Born in the fortress of Plessis-Macé, Anjou, France, he embarked on the Third Crusade in 1189, where he encountered the Order of the Temple in Palestine. Following the death of Gilbert Horal, du Plessis became Grand Master.
A significant figure in diplomacy, he played a crucial role in upholding the treaty between Saladin and Richard I, and in 1208, he proposed that the Teutonic Order and Hospitallers renew the peace treaty with Malek-Adel, though this suggestion was met with criticism from Pope Innocent III.
While his rule saw little military action, the Fourth Crusade failed to reach the Holy Land, and tensions with the King of Armenia arose over the Gastein stronghold. The Templars were initially expelled from Armenia, but Pope Innocent III intervened to resolve the dispute.
Relations between the Templars and the Hospitallers were strained during his tenure. However, under du Plessis' leadership, the Order of the Temple reached its greatest height in Europe. His name is last recorded in 1209.
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