Templar Cipher
Encode and decode the Knights Templar cipher. A geometric symbol substitution cipher based on the Templar cross.
Templar Cipher Key
Cross Grid (A-I)
Cross Grid with Dots (J-R)
Triangles (S-Z)
About the Templar Cipher
The Templar cipher is said to have been used by the Knights Templar in the 12th-14th centuries. Like the Pigpen cipher, it uses geometric shapes derived from a cross pattern. Whether it was actually used by the Templars is debated, but it remains a popular cipher in puzzles and games.
Note: This tool uses Unicode symbols to represent the Templar cipher. Authentic puzzles may use hand-drawn symbols that look slightly different.
What is the Templar Cipher?
The Templar cipher (also known as the Knights Templar cipher) is a geometric substitution cipher allegedly used by the Knights Templar. Each letter is represented by a portion of a cross-shaped grid.
Historical Background
The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order founded around 1119. They became powerful and wealthy before being disbanded in 1312. Various ciphers and codes have been attributed to them, though historical evidence is limited.
How It Works
The Grid System
Similar to the Pigpen cipher, the Templar cipher uses geometric shapes:
- Cross Grid: A tic-tac-toe pattern encodes letters A-I
- Dotted Grid: Same grid with dots encodes J-R
- Triangles: Directional triangles encode S-Z
Reading the Symbols
Each symbol is the shape of the cell containing that letter, showing only the lines that bound it.
Templar Cipher in Geocaching
This cipher is popular for:
- Mystery themes: Secret societies, hidden treasure
- Historical caches: Medieval or Templar-themed puzzles
- Visual appeal: The symbols are decorative
- Related to Pigpen: Cachers familiar with one can learn the other
vs Pigpen Cipher
The Templar and Pigpen ciphers are very similar:
- Both use geometric shapes from grids
- Both use dots to differentiate symbol sets
- The exact symbol-to-letter mapping may vary
- Templar is sometimes associated with a cross shape