The purpose of the Knights Templar during the Crusades was multifaceted. Initially founded in 1119, the Knights Templar were a military order formed to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land following the First Crusade. They quickly evolved into an elite fighting force, participating actively in battles and forming a crucial part of the Crusader states' military framework. Additionally, the Templars developed an extensive banking system, allowing them to facilitate financial transactions and manage wealth across Christendom. Their role went beyond warfare; they held significant social and economic power, influencing politics and trade in medieval Europe until their dissolution in the early 14th century.