Chivalric orders were military orders of knighthood that defended the Christian faith. They first appeared after the first crusade. All originated in Europe and Russia, and generally were founded by royalty. They had several rankings. The very first Chivalric order was the Knights’ Templar. Several of these orders are still among the most honored of societies. These societies are very exclusive with some having less than thirty members. Some orders have special mottos and positions for those who were and are in the military.