# Agnes of Courtenay

> Queens consort of Jerusalem

**Wikidata**: [Q241228](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q241228)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_of_Courtenay)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/agnes-of-courtenay

## Summary
Agnes of Courtenay was a medieval aristocrat and queen consort of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, a Christian crusader state in the Middle East. Born in the early 12th century, she became a prominent figure in the political and dynastic history of the Latin East through her marriages and familial connections.

## Biography
- **Born**: Between 1133 and 1136 (exact date uncertain)
- **Nationality**: French (from the Courtenay family, a noble house in France)
- **Occupation**: Queen consort of Jerusalem
- **Known for**: Her role as a key political figure in the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the 12th century
- **Field(s)**: Aristocracy, medieval politics

## Contributions
Agnes of Courtenay's primary contributions were political and dynastic. As queen consort, she played a significant role in the governance and succession of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Her marriages and descendants influenced the leadership of the crusader states. Specific contributions include:
- **Marriage to Amalric I of Jerusalem**: Secured her position as queen consort, reinforcing alliances and political stability in the kingdom.
- **Influence on succession**: Her children, including Baldwin IV and Sibylla of Jerusalem, became pivotal figures in the kingdom's history, shaping its future leadership.

## FAQs
**Who was Agnes of Courtenay?**
Agnes of Courtenay was a French noblewoman who became queen consort of the Kingdom of Jerusalem through her marriage to King Amalric I. She was a central figure in the political landscape of the crusader states during the 12th century.

**What was Agnes of Courtenay's role in the Kingdom of Jerusalem?**
As queen consort, Agnes of Courtenay held significant influence over the kingdom's affairs, particularly in matters of succession and diplomacy. Her children played crucial roles in the continuation of the Jerusalem monarchy.

**When did Agnes of Courtenay live?**
Agnes of Courtenay was born between 1133 and 1136 and died between 1184 and 1185. Her life spanned a critical period in the history of the crusader states.

## Why They Matter
Agnes of Courtenay's significance lies in her role as a political and dynastic figure in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Her marriages and descendants directly influenced the leadership and stability of the crusader states during a turbulent period. Without her, the succession and political alliances of the kingdom might have unfolded differently, potentially altering the course of medieval history in the Middle East.

## Notable For
- Being the queen consort of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
- Her marriage to Amalric I of Jerusalem, which solidified her political influence.
- Her children, including Baldwin IV and Sibylla of Jerusalem, who became key figures in the kingdom's history.
- Her role in shaping the dynastic and political landscape of the crusader states.

## Body
### Early Life
Agnes of Courtenay was born between 1133 and 1136 into the noble Courtenay family of France. Her exact birthplace is not specified in the source material, but her family's noble status is well-documented.

### Marriage and Queenship
Agnes of Courtenay married Amalric I of Jerusalem, becoming queen consort of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This marriage was a significant political alliance, reinforcing the stability and governance of the crusader state. As queen consort, Agnes played a crucial role in the kingdom's affairs, particularly in matters of succession and diplomacy.

### Influence on Succession
Agnes of Courtenay's children, including Baldwin IV and Sibylla of Jerusalem, became pivotal figures in the kingdom's history. Baldwin IV, in particular, became a notable ruler of Jerusalem, and Sibylla's descendants continued to influence the leadership of the crusader states.

### Death and Legacy
Agnes of Courtenay died between 1184 and 1185. Her legacy is marked by her significant contributions to the political and dynastic history of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Her influence on the succession and governance of the crusader states has been recognized as a crucial factor in the kingdom's history during the 12th century.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013