Molay, Jacques de definition of Molay, Jacques de in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Molay, Jacques de (zhäk də môlā`), 1243?–1314, last grand master of the Knights Templars Knights Templars (tĕm`plərz)
..... Click the link for more information. . He distinguished himself in defending Palestine against the Saracens. After the Templars were driven from the Holy Land, he moved to Cyprus, where he began to organize a new force to recapture the lost territory. He was summoned (1306) to Avignon by Pope Clement V Clement V, 1264–1314, pope (1305–14), a Frenchman named Bertrand de Got; successor of Benedict XI. He was made archbishop of Bordeaux by Boniface VIII , who trusted him; surprisingly, he was also in some favor at the court of Philip IV , even though
..... Click the link for more information. to discuss a new crusading effort. Philip IV Philip IV (Philip the Fair), 1268–1314, king of France (1285–1314), son and successor of Philip III. The policies of his reign greatly strengthened the French monarchy and increased the royal revenues.
..... Click the link for more information. , king of France, was jealous of the Templars' riches and fearful of their power. In 1307 all of the Templars in France were arrested, and their property was confiscated. De Molay and his knights were brought before an inquisitorial court, charged with heresy and other accusations, and tortured. The grand master, thus subjected, admitted certain charges (later recanted) and was burned at the stake in Paris.