The rule of women in the kingdom of God

This historical novel deals with a fascinating political phenomenon: the participation of Latin women in politics during the Middle Ages, specifically during the early Crusader period. King Baldwin II, the third king of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, sought to extend his authority over the Crusader states, including Edessa, Tripoli, and Antioch. To achieve this, he married his daughter, Alice, to Prince Bohemond II of Antioch, forcing Bohemond to acknowledge his dominance. Additionally, Baldwin married his eldest daughter, Melisande, to an old and weak man named Fulk, perhaps to allow Melisande to rule the kingdom.

Baldwin II crowned Melisande alongside her husband Fulk and their son Baldwin III, making them joint rulers of the kingdom. After her father's death, Queen Melisande intended to rule the kingdom with full authority. This led to conflicts with her husband, King Fulk, who tried to limit her power. After King Fulk's death, when her son Baldwin III was only thirteen years old, Melisande attempted to rule without consulting him, even as he was approaching adulthood.

After a long struggle, Baldwin III finally succeeded in stripping his mother of her power in 1161. This year marked the end of female rule in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.