After its founding in Acre in 1190 and its elevation to a knightly order in 1198, the Teutonic Order quickly expanded, acquiring lands, castles, and lordships in the Holy Land, in the Mediterranean realms, in Germany, and especially in Prussia and Livonia. In the Baltic countries, it established notable lordships. By the late Middle Ages, it transformed from a religious order into a noble corporation, eventually evolving into a primarily charitable institution after the end of the Holy Roman Empire. The author comprehensively and impressively depicts the history of the Teutonic Order from its beginnings to the 20th century.