Philip of Montfort, Lord of Tyre facts for kids
Philip I of Montfort (died March 17, 1270, in Tyre) was an important noble who ruled several lands. He was the Lord of La Ferté-Alais and Castres-en-Albigeois from 1228 to 1270. He also became the Lord of Tyre in 1246 and Lord of Toron after 1240, holding these titles until 1270. Philip was the son of Guy of Montfort and Helvis of Ibelin. Helvis was the daughter of Balian of Ibelin, another famous noble.
Philip's Early Life and Role
When his father died in 1228 during the Albigensian Crusade (a war in France), Philip took over his family's lands in France. His first wife was Eleonore de Courtenay, who passed away before 1230.
Philip joined a group led by his uncle, John of Ibelin. This group was against the powerful ruler Frederick II. In 1244, Philip was given the important military role of Constable of Jerusalem. However, he was under the command of Walter IV of Brienne at the Battle of La Forbie. This battle was a big disaster for the Christian knights, but Philip was one of the few who managed to escape.
In 1246, Henry I of Cyprus, who was ruling the Kingdom of Jerusalem at the time, made Philip the Lord of Tyre. This was a reward for Philip's loyalty and help to the local nobles. Even though there were some questions about whether this gift of land was completely legal, it was later confirmed by Hugh I around 1269. However, Hugh kept the right to buy the land back if he wanted to.
Later Years and Important Events
After 1240, Philip married for a second time to Maria of Antioch-Armenia. She was the older daughter of Raymond-Roupen of Antioch. This marriage made Philip the Lord of Toron and also gave Maria a claim to the throne of Armenia.
Philip joined the Seventh Crusade, which was a major military journey. He served as an ambassador for Louis IX of France, helping to negotiate a peace agreement and a retreat from the city of Damietta.
In 1256, Philip forced the Venetians out of Tyre. This action helped start a conflict known as the War of St. Sabas. During this war, in 1258, he tried to help the Genoese in Acre, but he was pushed back. This event helped the Venetians win the struggle.
In 1266, Philip lost Toron to the powerful Sultan Baibars. Even though Philip was getting old, Sultan Baibars was still worried about Philip's strong leadership. He also feared that Philip might get help from Europe. In 1270, Philip was killed by an Assassin, possibly sent by Sultan Baibars.
Philip was succeeded by his son Philip II in his French lands. His other son, John of Montfort, took over his lands in the Middle East.
His Family
Philip I of Montfort had children from both of his marriages.
From his first marriage to Eleonore de Courtenay:
- Philip II of Montfort: He became Lord of Castres-en-Albigeois. He died on September 24, 1270, in Tunis. He married Jeanne de Levis-Mirepoix.
From his second marriage to Maria of Antioch-Armenia:
- John of Montfort: He was Lord of Toron and Tyre. Born around 1240, he died on November 27, 1283, in Tyre. He married Margaret of Antioch-Lusignan on September 22, 1268.
- Philippa de Montfort: She died in 1282. She married William, Lord of Esneval in Normandy.
- Humphrey of Montfort: He became Lord of Toron and Tyre. He died on February 12, 1284, in Tyre. He married Eschiva of Ibelin, Lady of Beirut around the 1270s.
- Alix: She was alive in 1282 and 1295.
- Helvis: She was also alive in 1282 and 1295.
See also
In Spanish: Felipe de Montfort para niños
