The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

William IV, Duke of Aquitaine

William IV, known as Fier-a-bras or ‘proud arm’ who waged many wars across France. He was the Duke of Acquitaine from 963 until he retired to a monastery in 990.

The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

William V, Duke of Aquitaine

William V, known as the Great, was a Duke of Aquitaine. He memorably refused the crown of a united Italy after realising the political situation on the peninsula was a mess.

A picture of William IX of Acquitaine

William IX, Duke of Aquitaine

William IX is best known as the first troubador – a vernacular lyric poet from the Occitane region – whose work survived. He is also remembered as one of the leaders of the Crusade of 1101.

A scene of Raymond being defeated at the Battle of Inab

Raymond of Poitiers

Raymond of Poitiers was a Prince of Antioch during the first Crusade. He gained control by working with the bishop to con his future mother-in-law.

A picture of Bohemond III

Bohemond III (The Stammerer)

Bohemond III was known as Bohemond the Stammerer because of a pronounced speech impediment he had. He ascended the throne when Antiochene nobility dethroned his mother.

A map of the Crusader states in 1190

Bohemond IV of Antioch (The One-Eyed)

Bohemond IV of Antioch, also known as Bohemond the One-Eyed, was Count of Tripoli and Prince of Antioch. He seized control of Antioch in an alliance with the Knights Hospitallier, the Knight Templar and Italian merchants.

The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

Henry of Antioch

There are few records of Henry of Antioch, also known as Henry de Poitiers. He died off the coast of Tyre, in present day Lebanon while sailing on a German ship.

The family crest for the de Lusignan family

Hugh III (The Great) of Cyprus

Hugh III adopted his mother’s family name of de Lusignan since he inherited Cyprus through her family. This marks the beginning of what historians call the second House of Lusignan.