The Second Crusade leaves Europe under the command of two kings, fielding the largest number of men in a generation. Eleanor of Aquitaine rides with her husband, King Louis VII of France, while Conrad Hohenstaufen leads forces from the Holy Roman Empire. What follows is not glorious victory, but embarrassment and disaster on an epic scale. The fingers of blame point in all directions, as the Crusaders learn that the road to Jerusalem is littered with bad decisions -- and bones.

The Second Crusade would be a disaster, but why did it happen and how did it get started? The call to arms was preached by a closet dwelling ascetic who happened to be the leading churchman of his generation-- none other than Bernard of Clairveaux. In this episode we meet Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen who ruled both France and then England, and went on crusade. A horrifying mass death, a guilty royal conscience, and one of the most notorious womanisers of the Middle Ages are all part of the story in this episode.

The Templars began as warrior monks, but have been linked to everything from demon worship to forbidden sexual practices. What happened? This episode follows the history of the spectacular fall of a knightly order. A power struggle between a king and a pope, infiltration, torture, and the Inquisition -- it is a turbulent tale.

Because of the many rumours about the Templars, I will point out that this episode relies entirely on historical sources, primarily the work of Professor Malcolm Barber.

You can support this podcast on www.Patreon.com/evaschubert