Melisende of Jerusalem

Uncommon card · No. 166751

Melisende (c. 1109 – 11 September 1161) was the queen of Jerusalem from 1131 to 1152. She was the first female ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the first woman to hold a public office in the crusader kingdom. Her fame grew during her lifetime for her generous support of Christian communities across her kingdom. Contemporary chronicler William of Tyre praised her wisdom and abilities, while modern historians vary in their assessment. Melisende had mixed Frankish–Armenian heritage and was the eldest daughter of King Baldwin II and Queen Morphia. In the late 1120s, when it became clear that her father was unlikely to have a son, she was declared heir presumptive to the throne and married Fulk of Anjou in 1129. Baldwin II died in 1131, having conferred the kingdom on Melisende, Fulk, and their son Baldwin III. Melisende and Fulk were crowned shortly after. Early in their joint reign, King Fulk attempted to rule without Queen Melisende. Barons led by Melisende's relative Count Hugh II of...

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