Arnaud de Toroge (1110??-1184)

Master of the Order from 1180 to 1184.

Arnaud de Toroge was the Master of the Provinces Provence and Aragon when he was elected to the head of the Order at the end of 1180.
He succeeded Eudes de Saint-Amand, who died in captivity in Damas.

Arnaud de Toroge was more than 70 years old when he was elected, but he was a man experienced in the discipline and functioning of the Order. His knowledge centred on Spain, because of the ‘Reconquista’, meaning de Toroge didn’t really know the political situation of the Latin States.
His term as Master was marked by quarrels between Templars and Hospitalers, as the power and influence of the former constantly grew. As a result Arnaud de Toroge accepted mediation by Pope Lucius III and King Baudouin IV to put an end to the fratricidal quarrels.

In 1184, the political situation deteriorated further when Renaud de Châtillon, helped by Templar and Hospitaler knights, devastated Muslim territories in Transjordania for his own benefit.
Arnaud de Toroge had to show great political wisdom in his successful peace negotiations with Saladin who was ready to avenge Renaud de Chatillon’s mortal raids.
Still in 1184, Arnaud de Toroge and the Master of the Hospital went to Europe to plead before the Pope and Kings for a new Crusade. They hoped to reinforce the Latin States that were increasingly at the mercy of Saladin and the growing power of a reunified Muslim world.

During this trip, Arnaud de Toroge was taken ill and died in Verone on September 30th 1184 before having met Pope Lucius III.

Bibliography

1. "Armorial des Maîtres de l'Ordre du Temple"
   

   Bernard Marillier; Editions Pardès 2000

2. "Histoire des Templiers"
   

   J.-J.-E. Roy ; Editions Pardes 1999

3. "Histoire des Croisades et du Royaume Franc de Jerusalem (3 volumes)"
   

   René Grousset ; Librairie Académique Perrin 1991