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Maria Comnena
Maria Comnena (b.1152-d.1206), was the grand niece of Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Comnenus. Maria was not known for her beauty, yet due to her royal status, she was a much sought after bride. Perhaps her most notable marriage was as the second wife of Almaric I, King of Jerusalem. They were married in Tyre in 1167. When Almaric died, he left Nablus [a major city in the West bank north of Jerusalem] to Maria, making her a dowager queen. Throughout her life, Maria would remain involved in the politics of the Levant. After Almaric's death in 1174, Maria became the wife of Balian of Ibelin. They were married in 1177. Balian received the Lordship of Nablus as a result of the marriage. This contributed to making them among the most powerful noble families in the Kingdom and rulers of Beirut. During the siege of Jerusalem Balian was heavily involved in negotiations with Saladin and was at one point granted permission to retrieve Maria from the city. After Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem, Balian and Maria fled to safety on the coast and Balian fought on behalf of Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. Balian was again heavily involved in negotiations between Saladin and Richard, leading to the conclusion of the Third Crusade. Maria, who died in 1206, outlived Balian, who died in 1193. Maria's sister was married Bohemund III of Antioch and her brother, Alexios, was briefly Emperor of Thessalonica. Maria had three children, including Isabella (b.1172), by Almaric, and two sons by Balian, John of Ibelin and Phillip of Ibelin.
Third Crusade- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Primary Sources of the Third Crusade- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Women and the Crusades- Crusades-Encyclopedia
King Almaric I of Jerusalem- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Balian of Ibelin- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Manuel I Comnenus- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Saladin- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Comnenus Dynasty- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Jerusalem- Crusades-Encyclopedia
Andrew Holt, May 2005- Permission is granted for electronic copying and distribution in print for educational and personal use. No permission is granted for commercial use.