Marie of Lusignan facts for kids

Marie of Lusignan is a name shared by several important women from a powerful family called the House of Lusignan. This family ruled kingdoms like Cyprus and Jerusalem a long time ago. When you see a name like "Marie of Lusignan," it can sometimes be confusing because more than one person had that name! This page helps you learn about some of these famous Maries.

Who Were the Maries of Lusignan?

The House of Lusignan was a noble family that became very important in the Middle Ages. They were originally from France but later became kings and queens in places like Cyprus and Jerusalem. Several women from this family were named Marie, and they each played a part in history, often through their marriages to other powerful rulers.

Marie of Lusignan, Countess of Brienne (1215-1251/3)

This Marie was born around 1215. She was the daughter of Hugh I of Cyprus, who was the King of Cyprus. Her mother was Alice of Champagne. Marie married a nobleman named Walter IV of Brienne. Walter was a count, which is a type of noble ruler, and he was also involved in the Crusades, which were religious wars during the Middle Ages. Marie and Walter had children, and their family line continued to be important in Europe. She died sometime between 1251 and 1253.

Marie of Lusignan, Countess d'Eu (1223-1260)

Born in 1223, this Marie was from a different branch of the Lusignan family. Her father was Raoul II of Lusignan, who was a French lord. She married Alphonso of Brienne, who was the son of John of Brienne, a King of Jerusalem. Alphonso was also the Count of Eu, a region in France. Their marriage helped connect the Lusignan family with other important noble families in France. Marie passed away in 1260.

Marie of Lusignan, Queen of Aragon (1273-1319)

This Marie was born in 1273 and became a queen! She was the daughter of Hugh III of Cyprus, who was not only the King of Cyprus but also the King of Jerusalem. Marie married James II of Aragon, who was the King of Aragon, a powerful kingdom in what is now Spain. Their marriage was a political alliance, meaning it helped strengthen the ties between Cyprus and Aragon. Marie was Queen of Aragon from 1295 until her death in 1319. She did not have any children with James II.

Marie of Lusignan, Queen of Naples (1381-1404)

The last Marie on our list was born in 1381. She was the daughter of James I of Cyprus, who was the King of Cyprus and also the King of Jerusalem. In 1403, Marie married Ladislaus of Naples, who was the King of Naples, a kingdom in southern Italy. This marriage was also a political move to create alliances. Sadly, Marie died very young, in 1404, just a year after her marriage, and she did not have any children.

See also

In Spanish: María de Lusignan para niños