The knights wore a white robe, upon
which a red sword and a star were emblazoned. They maintained a
vigorous and successful conflict with the heathen, till circumstances
rendered it desirable that they should be incorporated with the
Teutonic Knights.
In the mean time the Latins had seized Constantinople, and set up
Baldwin, Count of Flanders, as emperor, and divided the Eastern Empire
among themselves. The Teutonic Knights received considerable
possessions, and a preceptory was founded in Achaia. Some time
afterward another was established in Armenia, where also the order had
obtained property and territory in return for service rendered in the
field. The order also received the distinction of adding to their
bearings the Cross of Jerusalem.
The valor of the knights, however, and the active part which they took
in all the religious wars of the day, cost them dear, and from time to
time their numbers were greatly reduced; so much so that when Herman
de Salza was elected grand master (1210) he found the order so weak
that he declared he would gladly sacrifice one of his eyes if he could
thereby be assured that he should always have ten knights to follow
him to battle with the infidels.
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