The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

Isabelle de Lusignan

Isabelle of Cyprus, a regent of Jerusalem, was a Cypriot noble and the youngest daughter of King Hugh I. She appointed her husband and son as Bailiffs of Jerusalem before her death in 1264.

A photo of the Mala Paga walls - Genoa, Italy

James I, King of Cyprus

James I of Cyprus served as regent for his nephew Peter II, before becoming King in 1382. He led a war against Genoese, was imprisoned, and later released in 1385. He is my 15 x great-grandfather

Charlemagne

This article explores the author’s lineage tracing back to Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor after the Roman Empire’s collapse. Charlemagne, born in Aachen, was renowned for his conquests and cultural contributions, despite being illiterate. His death in 814 led to the crumble of his empire due to succession disputes.

A photo of the port of Byblos - Lebanon

Plaisance of Jebail

Countess Plaisance was an independently wealthy Lebanese Countess who inherited lands across Lebanon and Israel from her parents.

Gauslin of Maine

At the limits of documented history, Gauslin of Maine is my 32nd x great-grand-father. Information is sparse because few records still exist.

A photo of the Fruttuaria Abbey

Otto, Count of Maçon

Otto was the son of the King of Italy, yet lived in France. Kidnapped and saved, he warred with the King of France, inherited other titles and made a nuisance of himself.

A photo of the cityscape in Harim, Syria

Orgueilleuse of Harenc

As the daughter of a French or, possibly, an Arabic lord, there is little in recorded history about Orgueilleuse or her mysterious family.

A 3D reconstruction of the city of Antioch in Roman times

Constance of Antioch

Constance inherited titles and, in theory, power but was controlled by many other people in her life. She also was kidnapped and forced to marry Raymond of Antioch.