The Portuguese king (Denis I), apparently, wasn't convinced about all those charges against the Knights Templar, as in Portugal they changed name to "Order of Christ", which in 1319 was recognised by Pope John XXII and allowed to have all the assets of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Their headquarters were in the Tomar convent, which still exists.
In 1417 they change their organisation, as instead of a "master" they started having an "administrator", chosen by the Pope among members of the Portuguese royal house.
As the first was Prince Henry the Navigator, he joined his ideas of "discovering" new lands and expanding Christianity with the Order of Christ, which helped finance the whole discoveries era, with the Portuguese ships have the Order's symbol, the Cross of Christ, on their sails.
Now, did they really have an Oracle's Head that help them in the discoveries period? Who knows. :)
PS: the Order of Christ was extinguished in 1834, when all religious orders were extinguished in Portugal. Since 1918 is an honorific order.
In 1417 they change their organisation, as instead of a "master" they started having an "administrator", chosen by the Pope among members of the Portuguese royal house.
As the first was Prince Henry the Navigator, he joined his ideas of "discovering" new lands and expanding Christianity with the Order of Christ, which helped finance the whole discoveries era, with the Portuguese ships have the Order's symbol, the Cross of Christ, on their sails.
Now, did they really have an Oracle's Head that help them in the discoveries period? Who knows. :)
PS: the Order of Christ was extinguished in 1834, when all religious orders were extinguished in Portugal. Since 1918 is an honorific order.
