Order of Sant Jordi d'Alfama facts for kids
The Knights of Saint George were groups of knights from different times and places. They didn't always work together, but they all deeply respected Saint George, who is known as the patron saint of knights.
Saint George was a brave soldier who lived a long time ago, in the 300s. He was a martyr, meaning he died for his beliefs. In old paintings from the Byzantine Empire, Saint George was often shown riding a horse, fully armed, just like the best Roman soldiers. When knights from Europe traveled to the East, they saw these pictures of Saint George. They recognized his armor and quickly chose him as the special protector of their noble knightly way of life.
Saint George became very popular in Europe, and many groups, both religious and non-religious, were named after him. One famous group that still exists today is the English Order of the Garter, which has always had Saint George as its patron.
The Kingdom of Aragon in Spain also honored Saint George. King Peter II of Aragon started the Order of Saint George of Alfama in 1201. He did this to thank Saint George for helping his armies. However, this order didn't get official approval from the Pope until 1363, and it didn't last very long. Later, with permission from a different Pope, it joined with another Spanish order called the Order of Montesa. After that, it was known as the Order of Montesa and Saint George of Alfama.
See also
In Spanish: Orden de San Jorge de Alfama para niños
- Spanish military orders
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "article name needed". Catholic Encyclopedia. (1913). New York: Robert Appleton.
