The Order of Santiago: The History of the Catholic Military Order Sworn to Defend the Iberian Peninsula

*Includes pictures*Includes a bibliography for further reading“But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.” – Luke 19:27For centuries, Christians and Muslims were embroiled in one of the most infamous territorial disputes of all time, viciously and relentlessly battling one another for the Holy Land. In the heart of Jerusalem sat one of the shining jewels of the Christian faith, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Legend has it that this was where their Savior had been buried before his fabled resurrection. What was more, it was said to house the very cross Jesus Christ had died upon. It was for precisely these reasons that fearless pilgrims, near and far, risked their lives and made the treacherous trek to Jerusalem.The Crusades are still a fascinating and controversial topic, so when people think of religious knighthoods, they almost always think of the Knights Templar or the Knights Hospitaller. These orders c