If you have a bit of knowledge about the Medieval ages and the history of religion, you've probably heard of The Knight Templars. It's a Christian order that appeared in the 12th century in the Middle East and took part in the Crusades against the Muslims. The Templars are known through official records for their outstanding bravery and dedication to the order's greater good. In such a short period, they went from a small group of knights who protect pilgrims in the Holy Land to a massive institution that operates in Europe. In fact, the Templars grew in power over the years, but also in wealth. They managed several enterprises offering a wide range of services for noblemen and monarchies, mainly in trading, banking, and transportation.

As religious knights who didn't respond to anyone but the Pope, the Templars were exempted from taxes, which gave them many advantages.  During its most active years, the order was involved in trading and commerce with both Christians and Muslims. It varied from renting out their shops to exporting wines and being exchange brokers. They also owned vessels and mills, which allowed them to expand their commercial enterprises to fund their military activities in Jerusalem. 

Additionally, one of the main sources of income to the Templars was from banking and transportation of goods. As the order was a religious institution in the military, they were trustworthy. Many men of wealth and power were traveling from Europe to the Middle East. The order operated as a safeguard that assured the safety of transactions of coins through ships. The Templars offered pilgrims the opportunity to travel in safe and sturdy vessels, knowing that their assets will arrive safely to the Holy Land.

The various enterprises that the Knights Templar led allowed them to finance their military training to become the fierce warriors they are known to be.