This biography, written by Catherine Capel, is shared with permission from Team Queens, an educational history blog run by a collective of historical scholars. All rights reserved; this material may not be republished without the author’s consent.
Born: 1105, Turkey
Died: 11 September 1161
Country most active: Israel
Also known as: NA
Melisende of Jerusalem was the eldest daughter of King Baldwin II and Morphia of Melitene and was raised to be her father’s designated heir and was styled as “Melisende daughter of the King and heir to the kingdom of Jerusalem”. In 1129, Melisende married Fulk, Count of Anjou, a wealthy and experienced military commander who already had a reputation within the kingdom. They had two sons together, the future Baldwin III of Jerusalem and Amalric I of Jerusalem.
After the death of Baldwin II in 1131, Melisende and her husband should have ruled jointly however Fulk prevented her from executing her hereditary right as ruler. With the help of allies, Melisende was able to regain control in the kingdom in 1136 and she reconciled with her husband. Fulk was killed in a hunting accident in 1143 and Melisende began ruling as queen regnant, acting as a patron of the church and arts.
Melisende would grow to have a complicated relationship with her son Baldwin which would lead to conflict between them over the extent of his rule in the kingdom. Melisende died in 1161 and was buried next to her mother in the Chapel of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Recommended Reading
Hans E. Mayer, “Studies in the History of Queen Melisende of Jerusalem,” Dumbarton Oaks Papers 26 (1972): 93‑182
Natasha R. Hodgson, Women, Crusading and the Holy Land in Historical Narrative (Woodbridge: Boydell & Brewer, 2007).
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Melisende ruled as Queen of Jerusalem from 1131 to 1153 and served as regent for her son between 1153 and 1161. She was the eldest daughter of King Baldwin II of Jerusalem and the Armenian princess Morphia of Melitene. Baldwin II, a crusader knight, married Morphia to strengthen regional ties.
Melisende’s early life was in Edessa until her father’s election as the King of Jerusalem when she was 13. She had two sisters, Alice and Hodierna. Despite the pressure to marry her off for political gains, Baldwin II remained devoted to Morphia and retained her as queen. Morphia demonstrated her capabilities when Baldwin II was captured during a campaign in 1123, successfully negotiating his release.
As the eldest child and heir presumptive, Melisende received a remarkable education and enjoyed the support of the Haute Cour, a royal council of nobility and clergy. Baldwin II aimed to marry her to a powerful ally, ultimately selecting Fulk V, Count of Anjou, despite reservations.
Fulk’s autocratic rule strained their relationship, and tensions arose when he accused Melisende of infidelity with Hugh II of Jaffa. This conflict led to a palace coup by Melisende’s supporters, and she regained her authority.
Melisende’s reign saw her as a capable ruler, receiving the Church’s support and contributing to the arts and culture of the region. She founded the convent of St. Lazarus in Bethany, was known as a patroness of books, and even had the Melisende Psalter created as a peace offering from Fulk.
During her reign, the Second Crusade was initiated in response to the fall of the Crusader state of Edessa. Melisende supported her son Baldwin III, who eventually co-ruled with her but later sought more authority, leading to a temporary conflict resolved by the Haute Cour.
After retiring from active rule in 1153, Melisende continued to participate in diplomatic activities and governance.