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Baldwin IV

Type Figure Region Kingdom of Jerusalem Time 1161–1185 Also known as Baldwin IV (the Leper King)

Baldwin IV (1161–1185), Latin king of Jerusalem known as the Leper King, acceded at 13 under the regency of Raymond III of Tripoli, took personal rul…

Timeline

  1. 1174Jerusalem · PalestineBaldwin IV was crowned at only 13 after his father's death; being a minor and afflicted with leprosy, the affairs of the kingdom were handled by his kinsman Raymond III as bailiff.
  2. 1176Jerusalem · PalestineAfter turning 15 Baldwin IV ended Raymond III's regency and began deciding military and political matters himself, showing political resolve despite worsening leprosy.
  3. 1177Montgisard · PalestineWhen Saladin besieged Ascalon, Baldwin IV led some 375 secular knights and Knights Templar reinforcements in a surprise attack, routing a far larger Muslim army at Montgisard; Saladin escaped with only a few followers, and the victory greatly boosted crusader morale.
  4. 1179Marj Ayyun · LebanonWhile pursuing Saladin's nephew's forces with Raymond III and Templar Grand Master Odo, Baldwin IV's army was ambushed by the main force and defeated at Marj Ayyun, with the king and Raymond narrowly escaping capture.
  5. 1180Jerusalem · PalestineTo forestall a possible coup by Raymond III and Bohemond III of Antioch, Baldwin IV arranged his sister Sibylla's remarriage to Guy of Lusignan and concluded a two-year truce with Saladin to gain breathing room at home.

Sources