Baldwin II of Jerusalem

MedievalEmperorKingdom of Jerusalem1060 — 1131

Second king, captured then ransomed twice.

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Quick Facts

Born

1060

Died

1131

Country

Kingdom of Jerusalem

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)20

Political (20%)44

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score49.0

Baldwin II of Jerusalem — Complete Timeline

1118 AD

Elected as King of JerusalemPolitical Action◆ Major

Baldwin II was elected King of Jerusalem after the death of Baldwin I. As a capable military leader, he expanded the kingdom's territory and secured its borders against Muslim forces, including capturing Tyre in 1124.

Crusader StatesMonarchyTerritorial Expansion

Impact: regionalconstructive

1123 AD

Captured by Artuqids at Battle of HabWar◆ Major

Baldwin II was captured by the Artuqid Turkish ruler Belek Ghazi during a campaign near the Euphrates. He was held prisoner for over a year until being ransomed for 80,000 dinars, a significant financial blow to the kingdom.

CaptureRansomCrusader-Muslim Wars

Impact: regionaltragic

1124 AD

Captured by Egyptians at Battle of AscalonWar

Shortly after his release, Baldwin II was captured again by Egyptian forces near Ascalon. He was imprisoned in Cairo for several months before being ransomed a second time, demonstrating the precariousness of Crusader leadership.

CaptureRansomEgypt

Impact: regionaltragic

1129 AD

Arranged Marriage of Melisende to FulkPolitical Action◆ Major

Baldwin II arranged the marriage of his daughter Melisende to Fulk V of Anjou, securing a powerful European ally. This dynastic union ensured the succession and strengthened ties between Jerusalem and Western Europe.

Dynastic MarriageSuccessionAlliance

Impact: regionalconstructive