My family tree through the ages
In 1136, amidst religious and political tensions in Antioch, Bishop Ralph used his influence and deceptive tactics to marry young Princess Constance to Raymond of Poitiers, securing political alliances and reinforcing Latin church dominance over Byzantine objections.
Countess Plaisance was an independently wealthy Lebanese Countess who inherited lands across Lebanon and Israel from her parents.
As the daughter of a French or, possibly, an Arabic lord, there is little in recorded history about Orgueilleuse or her mysterious family.
Constance inherited titles and, in theory, power but other people controlled her life. She also was kidnapped and forced to marry Raymond of Antioch.
She is one of my maternal 22 x great-grandmothers.
Philippa was a countess in her own right when she married William IX, Duke of Aquitaine. She married him because she wanted help getting Toulouse back from her cousin who should not have inherited it.
She is my 23rd great-grandmother.
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.
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.
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.