Constantine II, King of Armenia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Constantine II |
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| King of Armenia | |
| Reign | 1342–1344 |
| Predecessor | Leo IV |
| Successor | Constantine III |
| Born | Guy de Lusignan |
| Died | April 17, 1344 |
| Spouse | Kantakouzene (d. c. 1330) Theodora Syrgiannaina (d. 1347/1349) |
| Issue | Isabella (or Zampea or Maria) |
| House | Poitiers-Lusignan |
| Father | Amalric, Lord of Tyre |
| Mother | Isabella of Armenia |
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Constantine II (also known as Constantine IV) was born Guy de Lusignan. He became the first king of Armenian Cilicia from the Poitiers-Lusignan family. He ruled from 1342 until his death in 1344.
Becoming King
Guy de Lusignan was related to the Armenian royal family. His mother, Isabella, was the daughter of King Leo II of Armenia. His father was Amalric, a son of Hugh III of Cyprus. Before becoming king, Guy was a governor in Serres from 1328 to 1341.
When his cousin, King Leo IV, was killed, the Armenian nobles needed a new ruler. They first offered the crown to Guy's younger brother, John. However, John encouraged Guy to accept the role instead.
Guy was not sure at first. His mother and two of his brothers had been killed by an Armenian leader named Oshin of Corycos. Despite this sad history, Guy finally agreed to become king. He took the name Constantine II.
His Rule and Death
Constantine II ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia for about two years. His time as king ended on April 17, 1344. He was killed during an uprising in Armenia. After his death, a distant cousin named Constantine III became the next king.
Family Life
Constantine II was married twice. His first wife was named Kantakouzene, but they did not have any children. She passed away around 1330.
Later, between 1330 and 1332, he married Theodora Syrgiannaina. They had one daughter together named Isabella of Lusignan. Isabella later married Manuel Kantakouzenos, who was a ruler in Greece.
