Biography
Biography
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Baldwin (I, King of Jerusalem 1100-1118)
| Born | circa 1058 | Born At | |
| Died | 1118 | Buried At |
| Born | circa 1058 / |
| Died | 1118 / |
Baldwin of Boulogne was the brother of Godfrey of Bouillon. Together they took part in the First Crusade. Baldwin became the count of Edessa in 1098. Godfrey became the first King of Jerusalem after the city was captured in 1099. When Godfrey died on 18th July 1100 the post of ruler became vacant. The head of the Church in Jerusalem, Dagobert of Pisa, claimed that the Church itself should rule and as he was its representative he should have the job, but Baldwin disagreed. With a force of a thousand or so men Baldwin travelled to Jerusalem to claim the throne of Jerusalem for himself. The people of Jerusalem chose Baldwin as they recognised the need for a strong leader who could defend the city. Baldwin, unlike his brother, was happy to be called King of Jerusalem and to wear a crown. Under Baldwin's reign the territory Jerusalem controlled was greatly enlarged. He captured Arsuf, Caesarea, Acre and Sidon. In 1115 he had constructed the castle Krak de Montreal built on a hill to command the local trade routes. In 1118 Baldwin died without an heir. He was succeeded by his cousin Baldwin of Bourg.
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Baldwin (I, King of Jerusalem 1100-1118) (b.1058? - d.1118)
Baldwin (I, King of Jerusalem 1100-1118) (b.1058? - d.1118)
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Timeline
1100(Age: 42yrs)
Jul 18
Godfrey of Bouillon died just a year after the crusaders had captured Jerusalem. Agreeing who should succeed Godfrey as ruler of Jerusalem was not easy. The head of the Church in Jerusalem, Dagobert of Pisa, claimed that the Church itself should rule and as he was its representative he should have the job. Godfrey's brother, Baldwin of Edessa, had other ideas and travelled to Jerusalem with an army to claim the throne. [1]
Supported by an army of over a thousand men, Baldwin claimed the throne of Jerusalem. Baldwin of Edessa was Godfrey's brother and he claimed the throne as his heritage. Baldwin was crowned on Christmas Day at Bethlehem.
1104(Age: 46yrs)
King Baldwin I captured the important port of Acre on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. The port was an important supply route for Jerusalem.
1118(Age: 60yrs)
Baldwin II became King of Jerusalem following in his cousin's footsteps. [1]
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Selection of references used:
- 1: Edward Burman, The Templars, Knights of God, ISBN:0-85030-396-6, Erdington Library (271.79)
