Friday the 13th has always been a day of dread. The number 13 is considered unlucky. Most buildings don’t have a 13th floor.

Friday, October 13, 1307 was no exception. It proved exceedingly unlucky for the Christian warriors calling themselves the Knights Templar and their Grand Master, Jacques de Molay.

The Knights Templar, in the name of Christ, became very, very wealth during the reign of King Philip IV of France and he began to worry that their popularity and wealth may weaken or undermine his authority. He was also indebted to them financially. In order to even things out he collaborated with Pope Clement V and accused them of crimes against the church including denying Christ, worshiping idols and spitting on the crucifix. Of course, none of these things had happened so to remedy that the King had the Knights Templars tortured until they confessed. Then he sentenced them all to be burned alive.

As the flames began to rise, Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar cursed King Philip and the Pope.

Did it work?

Well, perhaps. Both King Philip and Pope Clement were dead within the year. Both of Philips sons died young leaving behind no heirs. The kings bloodline was eradicated and his wealth had vanished.