Omne Datum Optimum

Omne Datum Optimum was the 1139 Papal Bull that initially endorsed the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Knights Templar), in which the Templar Rule was officially approved, and papal protection given. Additionally, Omne Datum Optimum promised all spoils from Muslim conquest to the Order, and made the Order exempt from tithes and taxes.

Although Omne Datum Optimum was an unusual bull in and of itself, it was followed by Celestine II's Milites Templi in 1144 and Eugenius III's Militia Dei in 1145, which together gave the Templars an extraordinary range of rights and privileges. Among other things, the Order was permitted to build its own churches, bury their dead on those church grounds and collect taxes on Templar properties once a year. The Templar's unique cemeteries proved to be extremely controversial.