Templar treasures found in medieval tower may rewrite history
In a medieval tower in Dornes, traces of the Templars' presence have been discovered, including coins and tombstones. This find may help in precisely dating the burials.
12:57 PM EST, November 27, 2024
In the medieval tower in Dornes, located in central Portugal, archaeologists uncovered evidence of the activities of the order of the Templars, established in 1128. Among the findings were tombstones and coins linked to this order. The structure, built from slate and limestone in the early 13th century, served a defensive purpose. Its foundations were laid on the ruins of a Roman tower.
Since 2023, Portuguese archaeologists have been conducting research at the tower in Dornes. They discovered stone Templar tombstones and a walkway paved with slate slabs, located about three feet below the building's ground floor. Bruno Gomes, the mayor of the Ferreira do Zêzere municipality where Dornes is located, reported that during the research conducted outside the structure, Templar coins were found. Archaeologists suspect these coins may have been buried alongside the knights' bodies, whose graves are within the building.
What I consider most relevant are precisely the findings that appeared near the tower during archaeological surveys, such as a necropolis that we want to preserve, along with artifacts, coins, and threads — said Gomes, as quoted by Portugal Pulse.
The history of the tower in Dornes
The tower in Dornes, which lost its military significance in the 16th century and was transformed into a bell tower, may become a small museum as early as 2025. Dornes was one of several places in Portugal where the Templars were present. The main headquarters of the order was in Tomar, where in 1162, the grand master Gualdim Pais built a castle. It was also through his initiative that the tower in Dornes was constructed.
In 1320, the Templars renewed their activities in Portugal as the Order of the Knights of Christ the King. In the following centuries, the monastic part of the castle in Tomar, located behind the defensive walls, was expanded.
Portugal was not the only country where one could find traces of the Templars’ presence. Their presence, to varying degrees, was noted in practically all Christian countries of Europe.
