← Explore on the interactive map

Melisende of Jerusalem

Type Figure Region Levant Time c. 1105–1161 Also known as Melisende、梅利桑德·耶路撒冷、Melisende of Jerusalem

Melisende (c. 1105–1161), Queen of Jerusalem, daughter of Baldwin II, wife of Fulk and mother of Baldwin III, effectively governed the kingdom for ye…

Timeline

  1. 1131–1143Jerusalem · Kingdom of JerusalemMelisende was deeply involved in governance from Fulk's accession, promoting church donations and court construction, and built a solid base of support among the kingdom's nobility; her real power often exceeded that of the nominal co-ruling king.
  2. 1143–1150Jerusalem · Kingdom of JerusalemAfter Fulk's death Melisende continued to co-rule with her son Baldwin III. The fall of Edessa in 1144 shocked the realm, and she convened a council to respond to Zengi's expansion. When the Second Crusade passed through the Holy Land in 1147–1149, she presided over its reception as queen and distributed supplies, while maintaining diplomatic contacts with Antioch and Byzantium. By 1150, mother and son's disagreements over appointments and military command had become public.

Sources