Knights of the Apocalypse
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The Knights of the Apocalypse was a secret society created in Italy in 1693. Agostino Gabrino, the son of a merchant of Brescia, was its founder. Its professed aim was to defend the Catholic Church against the expected Antichrist, but it was accused of having political motives as well. On Palm Sunday 1693, when the choir of St Peter's was chanting Quis est iste Rex Gloriae? Gabrino sword in hand, rushed to the altar crying Ego sum Rex Gloriae. Though Gabrino was treated as a madman, the society flourished, until a member denounced it to the Inquisition, who arrested the knights. Though chiefly mechanics they always carried swords even when at work, and wore on their breasts a star with seven rays. Gabrino styled himself monarch of the Holy Trinity. He was credited by his enemies with a desire to introduce polygamy.
[edit] References
- Heckethorn, Charles William (1965). The Secret Societies of All Ages & Countries. University Books, Inc. LCCN 65-22572.
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
