Page "Kingdom of Jerusalem" Paragraph 17

In Jerusalem, the crusaders were distracted by a conflict between Melisende and Baldwin III.

Melisende continued to rule as regent long after Baldwin came of age.

She was supported by, among others, Manasses of Hierges, who essentially governed for her as constable ; her son Amalric, whom she set up as Count of Jaffa ; Philip of Milly ; and the Ibelin family.

Baldwin asserted his independence by mediating disputes in Antioch and Tripoli, and gained the support of the Ibelin brothers when they began to oppose Manasses ' growing power, thanks to his marriage to their widowed mother Helvis of Ramla.

In 1153 Baldwin had himself crowned as sole ruler, and a compromise was reached by which the kingdom was divided in two, with Baldwin taking Acre and Tyre in the north and Melisende remaining in control of Jerusalem and the cities of the south.

Baldwin was able to replace Manasses with one of his own supporters, Humphrey II of Toron.

Baldwin and Melisende knew that this situation was untenable.

Baldwin soon invaded his mother's possessions, defeated Manasses, and besieged his mother in the Tower of David in Jerusalem.

Melisende surrendered and retired to Nablus, but Baldwin appointed her his regent and chief advisor, and she retained some of her influence, especially in appointing ecclesiastical officials.

In 1153, Baldwin launched an offensive against Ascalon, the fortress in the south from which Fatimid Egyptian armies had continually raided Jerusalem since the foundation of the kingdom.

The fortress was captured and was added to the County of Jaffa, still in the possession of his brother Amalric.