Bernard Was the Principal Author of Latin Rule

Every organization needs a certain (usually written) code of conduct – and religious order in no exception. Code of conduct for a religious order is called “Rule” and because Knights Templar were, first and foremost, a religious order, they got one (albeit ten years after the order was officially established).

But before they were officially recognized by the Holy See – and thus by the Holy Roman Catholic Church. In fact, the Rule (the Latin Rule as it was officially named) was a prerequisite for recognition by the Church. Not surprisingly, it became known as “Specific Behavior for the Templar Order” as it outlines the ideal behavior of a Christian knight.

The rule borrowed from the Rule of Saint Augustine, but was mostly inspired (and based on) by the Rule of Saint Benedict. Which means that the primary, principal author of the Latin Rule was, of course, Bernard of Clairvaux who (unlike secular lords and knights) has a deep knowledge and deep understanding of both.

It was (obviously) adapted for use by military knights, rather than cloistered monks (for example, the fasts were less severe so that they did not interfere with combat). Which means that Bernard of Clairvaux had a co-author who had sufficiently deep and extensive knowledge of a lifestyle of Christian knights and its requirements.

Historians believe that Bernard’s co-author was Hugues de Payens – the co-founder and nominal first Grand Master of Knights Templar. However, it is highly unlikely as to be the co-author of Bernard of Clairvaux, one had to be (1) persona of the same caliber and (b) sufficiently close to him – and Hugues de Payens was neither. Hence, it is much more likely that the Latin Rule of the Templars was co-authored by High of Champagne – Bernard’s partner in the whole project.

The original rule was written in 1128 (in Latin, of course) and added to the minutes of the Council of Troyes (which officially recognized Knights Templar) in 1129. However, in about 1138 under the direction of Robert de Craon, second Grand Master of the order, the rule was translated into French and modified.

Later, it was radically expanded to include 609 articles, notably covering such things as hierarchy and justice within the order.