text: The number 13 is considered unlucky because it was the day of execution of Jacques Demolay, the last Grand Master of the Poor Soldiers of the Temple of Solomon, who are also known as the  "Knights Templars."  Their main function was to protect pilgrims on their journey to Jerusalem.  The Catholics ordered the Templars executed for supposed crimes of blasphemy and sodomy, although these charges were never proven. \n\nJacques Demolay was burned at the stake.