MelisendeJerusalem

Melisende (1105 - c. 1160) was QueenJerusalem from 11311153.

Melisende waseldest daughterKing Baldwin IIJerusalem andArmenian-born Queen Morphia. At this time Jerusalem had been recently conquered by Christian Franks, who wonfromTurksin 1099 duringFirst Crusade. Melisende was nominated assuccessorher father1128. In 1129 she married Fulk VAnjou. Priorher father's death1131, Melisende was pronounced sovereignwas crownedrule jointlyher father. In 1131, sheFulk effectively became joint rulersJerusalem. Unfortunately, Fulk largely ignoredneglected Melisende, other thanfather two sons (the future Baldwin IIIAmalric I) upon her.

In 1132, however, Melisende was accusedhaving an ongoing affairFulk's biggest rival,rebel Hugh IILe Puiset. The KingdomJerusalem become divided betweensupportersMelisendethoseher husband. Melisande, however, prevailed, possibly dueher threatemployHashshashin. Her terms forresulting peace included her admission toinner councils ofkingdom. Thereafter, wrotehistorian WilliamTyre, Fulk "never triedinitiate anything, eventrivial matters, without her foreknowledge."

Inyears afterwards she became known asgreat patron ofartsfoundedlarge abbey at Bethany. She gave political supporther sister Alice inregency question,was present at her sister Hodierna's marriageCount Raymond IITripoli1137. Shesaidhave hadsuccessionlovers, as well. After Fulk's death1143 Melisende became regenther 13 year old son Baldwin,they were crowned togetherMelisende's third co-rulership.

Melisende proved reluctantlet gopower. She workedkeep her son outpositionsinfluence,largely ignoreddatehis majority1145. Baldwin desiredsecond coronation, butrequest was denied by his mother, which triggeredfull-blown rift1152. Complaining toHaute Cour (High Court) ofkingdom that his mother would not let him rule, Baldwin demanded thatrealm be divided between motherson. Insubsequent agreement between them, Melisende ruled JudeaSamariaBaldwinnorth. This arrangement, however, proved unstable. The nobility withdrew their support from Melisende, who eventually yielded her territories (except Nablus)her son. Surprisingly,two became close afterwards,Melisende acting as Baldwin's closest advisor,even as his regenthis absence. Melisende also retained ecclesiastical patronage overchurch inKingdomJerusalem till her death atconventBethany1160 or 1161.

Preceded by: Fulk

KingdomJerusalem

Followed by: Baldwin III