Order of the Sword

The Order of the Sword (Schwertorden), also known as the Order of Silence, the Order of Quiet, or the Order of Cyprus, was a chivalric order in the Kingdom of Cyprus, founded by King Peter I for the purpose of reconquering the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The king of Cyprus, as titular king of Jerusalem, was its grand master. Knights of the Holy Sepulchre who had paid their respects to the king were also admitted.

The order is said to have been founded as early as 1195 by Guy of Lusignan. However, Guy had already been dead for a year when the order was founded, making the date of its establishment doubtful. When the armies withdrew from Palestine, the order is said to have had 300 members, all so-called barons.

The knights of the order were required to keep matters concerning the order and the state confidential. They had to support widows and orphans and, in the event of a crusade, stand by the king of Cyprus and financially enable other crusaders to take part in the campaign. Emperor Frederick III is said to have been a member of the order. The order’s feast day was Ascension Day.

The insignia of the order consisted of white love-knots into which the letters S and R were woven.