In Our Time Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem
Nov 21, 2019
Natasha Hodgson and Katherine Lewis dive into the captivating life of Melisende, the Queen of Jerusalem. They discuss her dual heritage and the blending of Frankish and Armenian cultures that shaped her reign. The conversation explores the power dynamics of her marriage to Fulk of Anjou and her struggle against political rivals, including her son Baldwin III. Hodgson and Lewis also reflect on Melisende's legacy as a formidable female leader in a male-dominated society, shedding light on the intricate challenges she faced while ruling during a tumultuous era.
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Arrival of the Franks
- The Franks arrived in the eastern Mediterranean following Pope Urban II's call for the First Crusade.
- Their goal was to recapture Jerusalem from Islamic rule and re-establish it as a Christian power.
Organization of Jerusalem
- Jerusalem's territory expanded under Baldwin I, encompassing much of the seaboard.
- The Franks, a small ruling class, imposed Western laws and customs, including a landholding system.
Melisande's Mother and Her Importance
- Melisande's mother, Morphea, was Armenian by birth and Greek Orthodox by religion.
- Morphea's marriage to Baldwin II brought a substantial dowry and important alliances, aiding the Crusaders.