Teutonic Knights Shield

The Teutonic Knights date back to the Early Crusades being formed as the Order of the Hospital of St. Mary of the Germans during the Third Crusade in 1197. Its initial purpose was to provide much needed care for the forces of the Holy Roman Empire and its Germanic warriors as there was none being offered by its overwhelmed allies. By 1198, the conditions were so improved that the Order was then reincorporated as a military Order and Pope Innocent III granted them the right to wear a white tunic with a black cross, their plain garb dictated by their holy vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Their motto, "Helfen - Wehren - Heilen" Help - Defend - Heal"   is still in effect today with their orders which are spread throughout the world.

The shield of this organization has altered through history. It began as a cross pattée or as we now call it, the Iron Cross. When the Nazis destroyed the Order, they took the symbol as their own even as they regaled them as early forerunners of their own movement.

The simple white shield and black cross design that emerged remains the symbol of the Protestant branch based out of the Netherlands and reflects the early design of their tunics, a reminder of their vows. The Germanic symbol of the Eagle is based on the colors of the present German flag and identifies the Roman Catholic branch in present day Germany. It is based on the symbol of the House of Hohenstaufen, the family of the indomitable and beloved King Frederick Barbarossa (Freidrich I) of the Holy Roman Empire, who the founding fathers of this order were following into battle and whose leadership was cut short through his death during the Third Crusade.