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Battle of Montgisard: Baldwin IV of Jerusalem defeats Saladin and a larger Ayyubid force

Baldwin IV (1161–1185), known as the Leper King, was the king of Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185. Baldwin ascended to the throne when he was thirteen despite having leprosy.

Baldwin IV (1161–1185), known as the Leper King, was the king of Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185. Baldwin ascended to the throne when he was thirteen despite having leprosy. He launched several attempts to curb the increasing power of the Muslim ruler Saladin, though much of his life was marked by infighting amongst the kingdom's nobles. Throughout his reign, and especially at the end of his life, he was troubled by his succession, working to select a suitable heir and prevent a succession crisis. Choosing competent advisers, Baldwin ruled a thriving crusader state, protecting it from Saladin.

Baldwin's parents, King Amalric and Agnes of Courtenay, separated when Baldwin was two. At nine years old, he was sent to be educated by Archbishop William of Tyre.

Historical Significance

Baldwin IV (1161–1185), known as the Leper King, was the king of Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185.

Key People

Saladin

Founder of the Ayyubid dynasty

Founder of the Ayyubid dynasty

Events Before

  1. Giovanni di Struma is elected antipope

    An antipope (Latin: antipapa) is a person who claims to be Bishop of Rome and leader of the Roman Catholic Church in opposition to the officially elected pope.

  2. Pope Alexander III canonizes Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

    Thomas Becket ( ), also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London and later Thomas à Becket (21 December 1119 or 1120 – 29 December 1170), was an English cleric and statesman who served...

  3. Construction of the Tower of Pisa begins, and it takes two centuries to complete

    Construction of the Tower of Pisa begins, and it takes two centuries to complete

  4. Jocelin, abbot of Melrose, is elected bishop of Glasgow

    Jocelin (or Jocelyn) (died 1199) was a Scottish Cistercian monk and cleric who became the fourth Abbot of Melrose before becoming Bishop of Glasgow, Scotland.

  5. At the Battle of Myriokephalon, the Byzantines fail to recover Anatolia from Turkish rule

    The Battle of Myriokephalon (also known as the Battle of Myriocephalum, Greek: Μάχη του Μυριοκέφαλου, Turkish: Miryokefalon Savaşı or Düzbel Muharebesi) was a battle between the Byzantine Empire and...

Events After

  1. Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa is crowned King of Burgundy

    Frederick Barbarossa (December 1122 – 10 June 1190), also known as Frederick I (German: Friedrich; Italian: Federico), was the Holy Roman emperor from 1155 until his death in 1190.

  2. BC A solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom after the Trojan War

    BC A solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom after the Trojan War

  3. Five monks at Canterbury report something exploding on the moon shortly after sunset (only known observation) [1]

    Five monks at Canterbury report something exploding on the moon shortly after sunset (only known observation) [1]

  4. Anti-Pope Callistus III gives the title of pope to Alexander III

    Anti-Pope Callistus III gives the title of pope to Alexander III

  5. 3rd Lateran Council (11th ecumenical council) opens in Rome

    3rd Lateran Council (11th ecumenical council) opens in Rome

More from the 1170s

Pope Alexander III canonizes Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

Thomas Becket ( ), also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London and later Thomas à Becket (21 December 1119 or 1120 – 29 December 1170), was an English cleric and statesman who served...

Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa is crowned King of Burgundy

Frederick Barbarossa (December 1122 – 10 June 1190), also known as Frederick I (German: Friedrich; Italian: Federico), was the Holy Roman emperor from 1155 until his death in 1190.

3rd Lateran Council (11th ecumenical council) opens in Rome

3rd Lateran Council (11th ecumenical council) opens in Rome

Jocelin, abbot of Melrose, is elected bishop of Glasgow

Jocelin (or Jocelyn) (died 1199) was a Scottish Cistercian monk and cleric who became the fourth Abbot of Melrose before becoming Bishop of Glasgow, Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on November 25, 1177?
Baldwin IV (1161–1185), known as the Leper King, was the king of Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185. Baldwin ascended to the throne when he was thirteen despite having leprosy. He launched several attempts to curb the increasing power of the Muslim ruler Saladin, though much of his life was marked by infighting amongst the kingdom's nobles.
Why is Battle of Montgisard: Baldwin IV of Jerusalem defeats Saladin and a larger Ay... significant?
Baldwin IV (1161–1185), known as the Leper King, was the king of Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185.
Who was involved in Battle of Montgisard: Baldwin IV of Jerusalem defeats Saladin and a larger Ay...?
Key figures include Saladin (Founder of the Ayyubid dynasty).

Explore More

November 25 in HistoryYear 1177