# Balian of Ibelin

> crusader and noble of the Kingdom of Jerusalem

**Wikidata**: [Q374385](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q374385)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balian_of_Ibelin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balian-of-ibelin

## Summary
Balian of Ibelin was a crusader and noble of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He is best known for his role as a leader during the critical events of the late 12th century, including the Battle of Hattin and the defense of Jerusalem during the siege of 1187.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1135
- **Died:** 1193
- **Nationality:** Kingdom of Jerusalem
- **Occupation:** Crusader, Noble, Feudatory
- **Known for:** Defense of Jerusalem (1187), participation in the Battle of Hattin and Battle of Montgisard.

## Contributions
Balian of Ibelin contributed to the military and political landscape of the Crusader states through several key actions:
*   **Battle of Montgisard (1177):** Participated in this battle of the Crusades.
*   **Battle of Hattin (1187):** Served as a combatant in the victory of Saladin against the Crusader states, a decisive conflict for the region.
*   **Siege of Jerusalem (1187):** Played a significant role in the 1187 siege which marked the end of Christian dominion over Greater Jerusalem.
*   **Siege of Acre (1189–1191):** Was involved in this major siege of the Third Crusade.

## FAQs
**What military conflicts was Balian of Ibelin involved in?**
Balian of Ibelin participated in four major conflicts: the Battle of Montgisard (1177), the Battle of Hattin (1187), the Siege of Jerusalem (1187), and the Siege of Acre (1189–1191).

**What was Balian of Ibelin's role in the Kingdom of Jerusalem?**
He was a noble and a feudatory, meaning he ruled an area as a vassal to a feudal overlord within the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

**When did Balian of Ibelin live?**
According to historical records, Balian of Ibelin was born in the year 1135 and died in 1193.

## Why They Matter
Balian of Ibelin matters historically as a central figure in the defense and administration of the Crusader states during a period of existential crisis. His leadership during the Siege of Jerusalem in 1187 was pivotal in negotiating the surrender of the city to Saladin, marking the definitive end of Christian dominion over Greater Jerusalem. His actions during the transition of power helped shape the political realities of the region, influencing the subsequent Third Crusade and the survival of the remaining Crusader entities.

## Notable For
*   Being a prominent crusader and noble of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
*   Participating in the Battle of Hattin (1187), a decisive victory for Saladin.
*   Defending Jerusalem during the 1187 siege that ended Christian rule over the city.
*   Fighting in the Battle of Montgisard in 1177.
*   Presence at the Siege of Acre (1189–1191).
*   Holding the status of a feudatory within the feudal hierarchy of the time.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Balian of Ibelin was born in the year 1135. He is identified as a human instance within the historical record and is categorized as a crusader and noble of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. His identity is further confirmed through various external identifiers, including Wikidata entry Q466504, Freebase ID /m/056rbk, and Biographical Dictionary of Western Secretaries identifier I00049924. He is also recorded under the French name variant "Balian d'Ibelin."

### Feudal Status and Role
As a feudatory, Balian held a specific socio-political position in the 12th century. This designation indicates that he ruled an area, at least nominally, as a vassal to a feudal overlord. This position placed him within the power structure of the Crusader states, obligating him to military service and political allegiance in exchange for land and title.

### Military Engagements
Balian's military career spanned several critical engagements that defined the late 12th-century Crusades.

*   **Battle of Montgisard (1177):** Balian was present at this battle, which was a significant engagement of the Crusades.
*   **Battle of Hattin (1187):** He participated in this pivotal battle, which resulted in a decisive victory for Saladin against the Crusader states. The defeat at Hattin critically weakened the Christian forces in the region.
*   **Siege of Jerusalem (1187):** Following the defeat at Hattin, Balian was a key figure during the Siege of Jerusalem. This event is historically noted as the moment that marked the end of Christian dominion over Greater Jerusalem.
*   **Siege of Acre (1189–1191):** Balian’s involvement continued into the subsequent conflict known as the Siege of Acre, a major operation that lasted from 1189 to 1191.

### Iconography and Legacy
Historical records preserve the visual identity of Balian of Ibelin through specific artifacts. An image of his seal, titled "Sceau de Balian d'Ibelin.jpg," serves as a visual representation of the noble. Additionally, the coat of arms for the House of Ibelin is documented as "Blason maison d'Ibelin.svg." Balian of Ibelin died in 1193, concluding a life that spanned nearly six decades of turbulent history in the Holy Land.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013