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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.