[mamelukesabre]

I read a book awhile back that claimed the pirates of the carribean were actually remnants of the templar fleet(manned by former knights)...and that columbus sailed to the new world escorted by former templar ships...and that the scottish rite was founded by templars in exile.

It was an interesting book, but i'm not sure I beleive it.

[AMDG&BVMH]

"scottish rite was founded by templars "

have heard that

have not heard about a connection w. Columbus; he was a believer of Catholocism, but whether or not he had escort ships (Templar or otherwise), I have not heard.

[MagnumRancid]

There is no more reason to doubt than there is to believe that "remnants" of the Templars survived and some established successful enterprises.