History Extra podcast The Teutonic Order: everything you wanted to know
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Apr 12, 2025 Aleks Pluskowski, a Professor of medieval archaeology and author, delves into the fascinating history of the Teutonic Order, which began as a field hospital in the Holy Land. He reveals how it transformed into a formidable military and religious power in medieval Europe. Pluskowski discusses their unique recruitment practices and political alliances, detailing successes and failures during the Northern Crusades. He also explores the Order's complex legacy, including its decline and impact on modern nationalism in Eastern Europe.
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Teutonic Order Origins
- The Teutonic Order evolved from a field hospital during the Third Crusade.
- It became a major military order, rivaling the Templars and Hospitallers.
Teutonic Order's Name
- The Teutonic Order's full name is the Hospital of St. Mary of the Germans in Jerusalem.
- It linked itself to a former German hospital in Jerusalem to gain legitimacy.
Early Purpose and Militarization
- German crusaders founded the Teutonic Order as a field hospital due to a lack of care from the Hospitallers.
- They gained prominence by caring for German casualties and arranging burials, including Frederick of Swabia's.
