The Knights Templar, renowned for their military prowess and mystique, may have had an unusual companion at their headquarters in Acre—a pet crocodile. According to a newly translated 14th-century German account, this fearsome reptile was tamed by the Templars, adding a curious twist to the legend of the medieval order.

The source of this strange tale comes from Der Niederrheinische Orientbericht, an anonymous German work from the mid-14th century. Recently translated into English, this account describes the Middle East, particularly Egypt, and offers a blend of accurate observations and fantastical details. The author, whose identity remains unknown, was possibly a diplomat or merchant traveling through the region.

While the text mainly focuses on the people and places of the region, it also describes several animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Some descriptions are factual, while others stray into the realm of exaggeration. The author’s depiction of crocodiles is a mix of both:

A crocodile is an extraordinarily dangerous animal; it is very strong and horrifying. It is bigger than an ox in size. Its fur is like that of a wolf; it lives in Egypt in the great river called the Nile, which flows from paradise. The crocodile is a terrifyingly fast and harmful animal.