Secret Societies of the Middle Ages

Secret Societies of the Middle Ages is a book written by Thomas Keightley that explores the history and practices of various secretive groups that existed during the Middle Ages. The book delves into the beliefs, rituals, and symbols of these societies, including the Knights Templar, the Assassins, and the Rosicrucians. Keightley provides a detailed account of the origins and activities of each group, as well as their impact on the political and social landscape of the time. He also discusses the myths and legends that have arisen around these societies, and their enduring influence on popular culture. Secret Societies of the Middle Ages is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in the history of secret societies and their role in shaping the world we live in today.1848. The present volume is devoted to the history of three celebrated societies which flourished during the middle ages, and of which, as far as we know, no full and satisfactory account is to be found in English literatures. These are the Assassins, or Ismailites, of the East, whose name has become in all the languages of Europe synonymous with murderer, who were a secret society, and of whom we have in general such vague and indistinct conceptions; the military order of the Knights Templars, who were most barbarously persecuted under the pretext of their holding a secret doctrine, and against whom the charge has been renewed at the present day; and, finally, the Secret Tribunals of Westphalia, in Germany, concerning which all our information has hitherto been derived from the incorrect statements of dramatists and romancers.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.