Manasses of Hierges facts for kids
Manasses of Hierges was an important leader during the Crusades. He served as the constable of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This was a very high-ranking military position. He was also the lord of Ramla from 1150 to 1152.
Manasses's Family and Rise to Power
Manasses of Hierges was born to Hodierna of Rethal and Héribrand III of Hierges. We don't know exactly when he was born or died. His uncle was Baldwin II of Jerusalem, a former king. This connection was very helpful for him.
Around 1150, Manasses married Helvis of Ramla. She was a wealthy widow. This marriage gave him a lot of land and money. He became the ruler of important areas like Ramlah and Mirabel. These lands were in the southern part of Palestine. Helvis also had a son, Hugh of Ibelin, who inherited the Lordship of Ibelin. Manasses and Helvis had two daughters together.
Serving as Constable of Jerusalem
Manasses arrived in Jerusalem around 1140. In 1143, Queen Melisende made him the constable of Jerusalem. This was the most important military job in the kingdom. It meant he was in charge of the army. Queen Melisende was his cousin. She appointed him after her husband, King Fulk, died.
In 1144, Manasses was sent to help the city of Edessa. It was under attack during the Siege of Edessa. However, he arrived too late. The city had already fallen to Zengi.
The Second Crusade and Political Struggles
Because Edessa fell, the Second Crusade began. Crusaders arrived in Jerusalem in 1148. Manasses attended an important meeting called the Council of Acre. There, leaders decided to attack Damascus. But the siege failed, and the crusade ended.
Manasses became very powerful. Some people said he was too proud. He didn't show enough respect to older, more experienced nobles. William of Tyre, a historian, wrote about this.
Queen Melisende's son, Baldwin III, especially disliked Manasses. Baldwin felt Manasses was keeping him from having power. In 1152, Baldwin tried to take full control of the kingdom. Manasses supported Queen Melisende against him.
Baldwin had himself crowned king separately. The kingdom was then split between him and his mother. Melisende ruled Jerusalem and Nablus in the south. Baldwin ruled from Acre and Tyre in the north.
Baldwin appointed his own constable, Humphrey II of Toron. Soon after, Baldwin's army invaded the south. He forced Manasses to give up his castle of Mirabel. Baldwin also captured Jerusalem from Queen Melisende. Manasses was then sent away from the kingdom. He was permanently replaced as constable by Humphrey.
