14. The Headquarters in Jerusalem Was the Temple Mount
Jerusalem’s Temple Mount is arguably the holiest and bloodiest location in the entire world. Its designation comes from the fact that the Temple of Solomon, built about a thousand years before Christ, was on that location. It was also believed to be the site where the patriarch Abraham nearly sacrificed his son and where Jesus Christ was buried. Muslims believe that Muhammed ascended to heaven from there. As such, the site is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions have structures on it: Jews have the Western Wall, one of the only surviving remnants of the Temple of Solomon; Christians have the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where they believe Jesus was buried; Muslims have the al-Aqsa Mosque.
It should come as no surprise that the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon, later referred to as the Knights Templar, would set the Temple Mount as their headquarters. In fact, there is archaeological evidence, such as spurs and chainmail that may have belonged to them, that they may have dug tunnels underneath the Temple Mount. Once again, the purpose of those tunnels is the subject of much speculation and controversy. Perhaps they were fortifying their stronghold; maybe they were looking for treasure.