The Founding of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (1099)
In 1099, the Crusaders led by Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lower Lorraine, captured Jerusalem from the Turksduring the First Crusade. After taking control of the city, the Crusaders immediately began organizing a governmentfor the newly conquered land. This government, based on the European feudal system, became known as the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Lords of different regions acted like independent rulers, making war, administering justice, and coining money, all while pledging allegiance to the King of Jerusalem.
The Crusader States
The capture of Jerusalem was only the beginning of the Crusaders’ conquests in the region. The Crusaders established three additional principalities in the surrounding areas:
- Tripoli
- Antioch
- Edessa
These territories were feudal states that owed allegiance to the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Crusaders were still engaged in battles to firmly establish themselves in Syria and Palestine, as Muslim forces remained a constant threat.
Godfrey of Bouillon: Defender of the Holy Sepulchre
The first leader of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem was Godfrey of Bouillon, who was one of the most respected Crusader knights. However, Godfrey refused to take the title of “king” or wear a crown of gold in the city where Jesushad worn a crown of thorns. Instead, he accepted the title “Defender of the Holy Sepulchre”, showing his dedication to protecting the Christian holy sites. Many Crusaders considered their mission fulfilled after the capture of Jerusalem and returned home, but Godfrey, Tancred, and a few other knights stayed behind to guard the city.
Baldwin I: The First King of Jerusalem
After Godfrey’s death in 1100, his brother, Baldwin of Boulogne, became the first official King of Jerusalem. Baldwin had previously been the Count of Edessa but was invited to Jerusalem by those who wanted a secular monarchy. He was crowned King of Jerusalem on Christmas Day in Bethlehem. Baldwin I ruled until his death in 1118, and his cousin, Baldwin II, succeeded him as king.
The Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem
In 1187, the Kingdom of Jerusalem suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Saladin, the leader of the Muslim forces, at the Battle of Hattin. After this victory, Saladin captured most of the kingdom, including Jerusalem. Although Richard the Lionheart reclaimed some of the cities, the kingdom was forced to move its capital to Acre. The Mamluks, under Sultan Baibars, continued to take over the remaining cities of the kingdom, and in 1291, the last Crusader stronghold, Acre, was captured by Sultan Khalil. With this defeat, the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem came to an end.
Rulers of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1099–1291)
Over the nearly 200 years of the kingdom’s existence, it was ruled by various kings and queens. Some of the most notable rulers include:
- Godfrey of Bouillon (1099–1100) – Protector of the Holy Sepulchre
- Baldwin I (1100–1118) – First King of Jerusalem
- Baldwin II (1118–1131)
- Melisende and Fulk (1131–1153)
- Baldwin III (1143–1162)
- Amalric I (1162–1174)
- Baldwin IV (1174–1185) – Known as the “Leper King”
- Baldwin V (1185–1186)
- Sibylla and Guy of Lusignan (1186–1187)
- Isabella I (1192–1205)
- Yolande (Isabella II) and Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor (1212–1228)
- Conrad of Hohenstaufen (1228–1254)
- Henry II (1285–1291) – The last ruler before the fall of Acre
Although many European rulers claimed the title of King of Jerusalem after the kingdom fell, none of them ever ruled any part of the territory.