# Henry II, Count of Champagne

> Count of Champagne from 1181 to 1197, and King of Jerusalem from 1192 to 1197

**Wikidata**: [Q354422](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q354422)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_II,_Count_of_Champagne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-ii-count-of-champagne

## Summary
Henry II, Count of Champagne was a monarch who ruled as Count of Champagne from 1181 to 1197 and later as King of Jerusalem from 1192 to 1197. His reign was marked by his participation in the Third Crusade and his leadership in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

## Biography
- Born: July 29, 1166
- Nationality: French
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Leading the Kingdom of Jerusalem and participating in the Third Crusade
- Employer(s): None (ruled independently)
- Field(s): Medieval politics and military leadership

## Contributions
- Led the Kingdom of Jerusalem from 1192 to 1197, overseeing its defense and governance during a critical period of conflict.
- Participated in the Third Crusade, contributing to the European effort to reconquer the Holy Land from Saladin.

## FAQs
**What was Henry II, Count of Champagne's primary role in the Kingdom of Jerusalem?**
Henry II served as King of Jerusalem from 1192 to 1197, overseeing the kingdom's defense and political affairs during a time of significant military and territorial challenges.

**Did Henry II, Count of Champagne participate in any major military campaigns?**
Yes, he participated in the Third Crusade, which was a European-led attempt to reclaim the Holy Land from Saladin.

**What was Henry II, Count of Champagne's nationality?**
Henry II was French, as indicated by his citizenship in the source material.

## Why They Matter
Henry II, Count of Champagne's leadership during the Kingdom of Jerusalem's later years was crucial in maintaining its existence against Saladin's forces. His participation in the Third Crusade demonstrated the continued European commitment to the Holy Land, though the campaign ultimately ended in failure. His reign highlighted the complexities of medieval Christian-Muslim relations and the challenges of governing a kingdom in a hostile environment.

## Notable For
- First and only French monarch to rule the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
- Key figure in the Third Crusade, contributing to the European military effort.
- Ruled during a critical period of conflict for the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

## Body
### Early Life
Henry II was born on July 29, 1166, and came from a prominent French noble family. Little is known about his early life or education, but he inherited the title of Count of Champagne in 1181.

### Reign as Count of Champagne
From 1181 to 1197, Henry II ruled as Count of Champagne, overseeing the political and military affairs of the region. His reign was marked by internal stability and external conflicts, including the ongoing struggle with Saladin and the European powers.

### King of Jerusalem
In 1192, Henry II was elected King of Jerusalem, succeeding his brother-in-law, Guy of Lusignan. His reign was challenging, as the kingdom faced constant threats from Saladin and internal strife. Despite these difficulties, he maintained the kingdom's sovereignty until his death in 1197.

### Third Crusade
Henry II played a significant role in the Third Crusade, which began in 1189. He participated in the European-led military campaign to reclaim the Holy Land from Saladin. The Third Crusade ended in failure, but Henry II's involvement demonstrated the continued European commitment to the cause.

### Legacy
Henry II's reign as King of Jerusalem was brief but impactful. He died on September 10, 1197, leaving behind a kingdom that continued to face significant challenges. His participation in the Third Crusade ensured that the European powers remained engaged in the Holy Land's fate, though the campaign ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Sejm-Wielki.pl