Melisende
Queen of Jerusalem (1105-1161) · Turkey · On the map · Politicians · Died at 56
Melisende was the queen of Jerusalem from 1131 to 1152. She was the first female ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the first woman to hold a public office in the crusader kingdom. Her fame grew in her lifetime for her generous support of the various Christian communities in her kingdom.
Melisende is read about 206 times a day, in 40 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 2 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 400 days, one point a day.
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Melisende's father spent 18 months in captivity, but neither Melisende nor her mother governed in his stead.
Fulk, depicted here on his seal as count of Anjou, was already an experienced ruler when he was selected to marry Melisende.
The coronation of Fulk and Melisende was the first to be held at the Holy Sepulchre.
A knight stabs Count Hugh, who is playing dice in the street. Royal involvement was widely suspected.
The Melisende Psalter is seen as an attempt by the king to win back his wife.
Melisende favored the Jehosaphat church. She and her mother were buried in the niches on the left and the right, respectively.
About this person
Contemporary chronicler William of Tyre praised her wisdom and abilities, while modern historians differ in their assessment.
