The Knights Templar, renowned for their military prowess and mystique, may have had an unusual companion at their headquarters in Acre—a pet crocodile. According to a newly translated 14th-century German account, this fearsome reptile was tamed by the Templars, adding a curious twist to the legend of the medieval order.
The source of this strange tale comes from Der Niederrheinische Orientbericht, an anonymous German work from the mid-14th century. Recently translated into English, this account describes the Middle East, particularly Egypt, and offers a blend of accurate observations and fantastical details. The author, whose identity remains unknown, was possibly a diplomat or merchant traveling through the region.
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While the text mainly focuses on the people and places of the region, it also describes several animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Some descriptions are factual, while others stray into the realm of exaggeration. The author’s depiction of crocodiles is a mix of both:
A crocodile is an extraordinarily dangerous animal; it is very strong and horrifying. It is bigger than an ox in size. Its fur is like that of a wolf; it lives in Egypt in the great river called the Nile, which flows from paradise. The crocodile is a terrifyingly fast and harmful animal.
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The most intriguing detail comes later:
At the time when Acre was still held by the Christians, the Knights Templar had a crocodile from whose mouth they had pulled the teeth and which they had tamed.
Could the Knights Templar Really Have Had a Crocodile?
While the idea of a tamed crocodile may seem far-fetched, it’s not entirely implausible. Acre, a major port in the Crusader States until its fall in 1291, was a hub of trade, including the import of exotic animals from Egypt. The Knights Templar, headquartered in Acre, could have acquired and kept a crocodile as a symbol of their power and prestige.
Crocodile depicted in the 16th century – British Library MS Or. 3714, f.394
The German author offers another surprising claim about the Templars, stating that some of their members were present at the Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258. He writes that they accompanied the Armenian king Hethum I when he submitted to the Mongols and later participated in the siege, marveling at the treasures of the Caliph.
This is the only known account of Templar involvement in the Siege of Baghdad, and given that the text was written nearly a century after the event, it is likely a misinterpretation or rumour. However, Hethum I, King of Cilician Armenia between 1226 to 1270, did send troops to aid the Mongol siege, so it’s not impossible that a few Templars were involved in some capacity.
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Der Niederrheinische Orientbericht offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval perceptions of the Near East, blending fact, myth, and rumour. It has recently been translated by Albrecht Classen and published by D.S. Brewer. You can learn more about this book on the publisher’s website or purchase it on Amazon.
The Knights Templar, renowned for their military prowess and mystique, may have had an unusual companion at their headquarters in Acre—a pet crocodile. According to a newly translated 14th-century German account, this fearsome reptile was tamed by the Templars, adding a curious twist to the legend of the medieval order.
The source of this strange tale comes from Der Niederrheinische Orientbericht, an anonymous German work from the mid-14th century. Recently translated into English, this account describes the Middle East, particularly Egypt, and offers a blend of accurate observations and fantastical details. The author, whose identity remains unknown, was possibly a diplomat or merchant traveling through the region.
While the text mainly focuses on the people and places of the region, it also describes several animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Some descriptions are factual, while others stray into the realm of exaggeration. The author’s depiction of crocodiles is a mix of both:
A crocodile is an extraordinarily dangerous animal; it is very strong and horrifying. It is bigger than an ox in size. Its fur is like that of a wolf; it lives in Egypt in the great river called the Nile, which flows from paradise. The crocodile is a terrifyingly fast and harmful animal.
The most intriguing detail comes later:
At the time when Acre was still held by the Christians, the Knights Templar had a crocodile from whose mouth they had pulled the teeth and which they had tamed.
Could the Knights Templar Really Have Had a Crocodile?
While the idea of a tamed crocodile may seem far-fetched, it’s not entirely implausible. Acre, a major port in the Crusader States until its fall in 1291, was a hub of trade, including the import of exotic animals from Egypt. The Knights Templar, headquartered in Acre, could have acquired and kept a crocodile as a symbol of their power and prestige.
The German author offers another surprising claim about the Templars, stating that some of their members were present at the Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258. He writes that they accompanied the Armenian king Hethum I when he submitted to the Mongols and later participated in the siege, marveling at the treasures of the Caliph.
This is the only known account of Templar involvement in the Siege of Baghdad, and given that the text was written nearly a century after the event, it is likely a misinterpretation or rumour. However, Hethum I, King of Cilician Armenia between 1226 to 1270, did send troops to aid the Mongol siege, so it’s not impossible that a few Templars were involved in some capacity.
Der Niederrheinische Orientbericht offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval perceptions of the Near East, blending fact, myth, and rumour. It has recently been translated by Albrecht Classen and published by D.S. Brewer. You can learn more about this book on the publisher’s website or purchase it on Amazon.
Top Image: British Library MS Harley 4751 f.62v
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