Angelici

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The dispute is about the alleged Byzantine origin of the order.

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For the ancient sect, see Angelici (sect).

The Angelici were an ancient order of knighthood for priests and laymen, founded in 1191 by Byzantine Emperor Isaac Angelus.

They were divided into three classes, but were all under the direction of one Grand Master. The first were called Torquati, from a collar which they wore, and were fifty in number. The second were called the Knights of Justice, and were ecclesiastics. The third were called Knights Servitors.

Justiniani will have this order to have been instituted in the year 313, by Constantine, and supposes the occasion thereof to have been the appearance of an angel to that emperor, with the sign of a cross and the words, "In hoc signo vinces" ("In this sign you shall conquer"). However, that there was such a thing as a ny military order in those days is merely a fable.

The Angelici were also called the Order of Constantine, the Golden Knights, and Saint George.