Henry I of Cyprus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henry I |
|
|---|---|
Miniature of Henry receiving a message in a 1375–1380 edition of the Grandes Chroniques de France
|
|
| King of Cyprus | |
| Reign | 10 January 1218 – 18 January 1253 |
| Predecessor | Hugh I |
| Successor | Hugh II |
| Born | 3 May 1217 Nicosia |
| Died | 18 January 1253 (aged 35) Nicosia |
| Spouse | Alix of Montferrat Stephanie of Lampron Plaisance of Antioch |
| Issue | Hugh II of Cyprus |
| House | House of Lusignan |
| Father | Hugh I of Cyprus |
| Mother | Alice of Champagne |
Henry I of Cyprus, also known as Henry the Fat, was the King of Cyprus from 1218 to 1253. He was born on May 3, 1217, in Nicosia and passed away there on January 18, 1253. Henry was the son of Hugh I of Cyprus and Alice of Champagne.
When his father, King Hugh I, died on January 10, 1218, Henry was only eight months old. This meant he became king at a very young age. His mother, Alice of Champagne, became the official regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to do so. Alice gave the job of governing to her uncle, Philip of Ibelin. After Philip passed away, his brother, John of Ibelin, the Old Lord of Beirut, took over as the main regent.
Becoming King and Early Challenges
Henry was crowned king when he was eight years old, in 1225. His coronation took place at Santa Sophia in Nicosia. His uncle Philip arranged this early crowning. He did it because he thought Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, might try to take control of Cyprus.
In 1228, Frederick II did try to take power. He forced John of Ibelin to give up his role as regent and hand over the island of Cyprus. However, when Frederick left the island in April, John fought back. He managed to regain control of Cyprus. This event started a conflict known as the War of the Lombards.
Henry's Rule and Family Life
Henry officially took control of his kingdom when he turned 15 in 1232. He kept strong connections with the Ibelin family, who had helped him during his younger years.
From 1246 to 1253, Henry also served as the Regent of Jerusalem. He ruled on behalf of Conrad of Hohenstaufen, who was the King of Jerusalem.
Henry was married three times during his life. His third wife was Plaisance of Antioch, whom he married in 1250. She was the daughter of Bohemund V of Antioch. Henry and Plaisance had one son together, named Hugh.
Succession
When Henry I passed away, his only child, his infant son Hugh II, became the next king. Hugh II was born in 1253, the same year Henry died. Henry I was buried at the Church of the Templars in Nicosia.
.svg)
