Melisende of Arsuf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melisende |
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|---|---|
| Lady of Arsuf and Beirut | |
| Arsuf fortress, in Israel, home of the Crusader Lords of Arsuf | |
| Spouse(s) | Thierry d'Orca John of Ibelin, the Old Lord of Beirut |
| Issue | |
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| Father | Guy, Lord of Arsuf |
| Mother | Unknown |
| Born | before 1177 |
| Died | Unknown Holy Land |
Melisende was an important noblewoman who lived a long time ago, between the late 1100s and early 1200s. She was the Lady of Arsuf, which meant she inherited the right to rule the land of Arsuf. She was also the second wife of a very powerful nobleman named John of Ibelin.
Her Early Life
Melisende was born before the year 1177. She was the oldest daughter of Guy, who was the Lord of Arsuf. We do not know her mother's name.
Melisende had a brother named Jean. He married a woman named Helvis de Brie. Sadly, Jean died without having any children. Because of this, Melisende inherited the lordship of Arsuf. This made her the official Lady of Arsuf.
Marriages and Family
Melisende married twice. Her first husband was Thierry d'Orca. We do not know exactly when they married.
In 1207, she married her second husband, John of Ibelin. John was a very important person in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He had been the Constable of Jerusalem, which was a high military role. He also acted as a Regent (a temporary ruler) in the city of Acre. He was regent for his half-niece, Queen Maria.
When Melisende married John, she gave him the lordship of Arsuf. This made John's lands and power even bigger in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Life in Beirut
John of Ibelin ruled Beirut almost like an independent country. However, it was still officially part of the larger kingdom. The city of Beirut had been badly damaged by the forces of Saladin. Saladin was a famous Muslim leader who had conquered parts of the Crusader kingdom.
After their marriage, John worked hard to rebuild Beirut. He even built a magnificent palace there.
Melisende's Children
Melisende and John of Ibelin had seven children together. They had six sons and one daughter:
- Balian of Ibelin (born around 1210 – died 1247)
- John of Ibelin (born around 1212 – died 1258), who became the Lord of Arsuf and Constable of Jerusalem.
- Raoul of Ibelin
- Hugh of Ibelin (born around 1213 – died 1238)
- Baldwin of Ibelin (died 1267), who became the Seneschal of Cyprus.
- Guy of Ibelin (born around 1215 – died 1255), who became the Constable of Cyprus.
- Isabelle of Ibelin, who became a nun.
Her Death
Melisende's exact death date is not known.
See also
In Spanish: Melisenda de Arsuf para niños
