I wonder what authorative author would state that this order dates from long before the crusades to the best of my knowledge the first proof of it's existence dated from after the fall of Constantinople. It was an obvious fantasy. Nevertheless since that date and the subsequent sale of the grand magistral dignity to a gullible Italian Prince the order has flourished. As a mater of fact there are several claiments to the grand magistral dignity and the "ownership" of the Order.sale
