← Explore on the interactive map

Baldwin II Captured

Type Event Region Levant Time 1123–1124

On April 18, 1123, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem was ambushed and captured near Gerger on the Euphrates by Artuqid emir Belek, and imprisoned at Kharp…

Timeline

  1. 1123Gerger · County of EdessaBaldwin II was also serving as regent of Antioch (Bohemond II was still in Italy, arriving only in 1126). He marched north to meet Belek's siege of Gerger, a fortress of Edessa, and attempted to rescue the already-captured Count Joscelin.
  2. 1123Near Gerger · Upper MesopotamiaOn the morning of April 18, Belek surprised Baldwin's camp and captured him, taking him to Kharput. Bohemond II neither fought nor died in this battle (he was killed by the Danishmends in 1130).
  3. 1123–1124Aleppo · SyriaDuring Baldwin's captivity, the nobles of Jerusalem elected Eustace Grenier as regent at Acre; after Grenier died on June 15, 1123, William of Bures succeeded him. Melisende was Baldwin's daughter and at this time neither queen nor regent. The king was released in August 1124.

Sources