On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of the Knights Templar, including their leader Jacques de Molay. The event became one of the main historical reasons people later linked “Friday the 13th” with bad luck.

What happened

  • Templars across France were seized in coordinated dawn raids.
  • They were accused of heresy, blasphemy, idolatry, and other crimes.
  • Many were later interrogated under torture, and the order was eventually dissolved.

Why it matters

Philip IV likely wanted to destroy the order and gain control of its wealth and influence, so the arrests were as political as they were religious. The dramatic nature of the crackdown helped turn the date into a lasting symbol of misfortune.

Quick note

If you meant the date itself rather than the Templars, there is no single universal event for “Friday the 13th, 1307” beyond this famous arrest.