Melisende of Arsuf

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Template:Short description Template:Infobox nobility Melisende (born before 1177 – died after 1215) was the hereditary lady of Arsuf from 1177 and the second wife of the powerful nobleman John, Old Lord of Beirut.

Life

She was born sometime before 1177, the eldest daughter of Guy, Lord of Arsuf. Her mother's name is unknown. She had a brother, Lord Jean, who married Helvis de Brie.Template:Sfn When Jean died childless, Melisende inherited the lordship of Arsuf.Template:Sfn[1]

On an unknown date, Melisende married firstly Thierry d'Orca.Template:Sfn In 1207, she married secondly John of Ibelin, lord of Beirut, former constable of Jerusalem,Template:Sfn and regent in Acre for his half-niece Queen Maria.

Upon their marriage, Melisende passed the lordship of Arsuf to John, increasing his territory in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Beirut was effectively autonomous state under his rule. After rebuilding the city which had been destroyed by the forces of Saladin, during the latter's conquest of the Crusader kingdom, Ibelin constructed a magnificent palace.

John of Ibelin and Melisende had six sons and one daughter:

References

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  1. Lignages d'Outremer, Marciana MS Francese 20, CC LXXXIX, p.63

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Sources