Which medieval military order was founded in the Kingdom of León in 1170?

The Order of Santiago was the medieval military order founded in the Kingdom of León in 1170.

The order emerged to protect pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint James the Apostle at Santiago de Compostela and to fight on the Iberian frontier. Its original members were associated with the town of Cáceres, and the organization became known as the Order of Santiago after its connection with Saint James.

Unlike some purely foreign crusading institutions, Santiago was deeply involved in the politics and warfare of the Christian kingdoms of Iberia. It received castles, land, and privileges, allowing it to maintain garrisons and support campaigns. The order also possessed hospitals and charitable responsibilities connected with pilgrims.

The Order of Santiago should not be confused with the Knights Templar or the Order of Calatrava. It was a distinct Iberian institution, though its military and religious functions resembled those of other medieval military orders.