Turcopolis XII sec.

The Turcopolis (from the Greek Τουρκόπουλο: son of Turks) were archers on horseback belonging to the order of the Knights Templar and participating in the Chapter of Nine during the period of the Crusades.

They were generally indigenous Palestinians (Turks and Arabs), often mercenaries, who had abjured the Islamic religion. They were used for the first time by the Templars and formed units of light cavalry, with support tasks for the heavy cavalry. They were led by a commander called Turcopoliere or captain general of the cavalry.