# Joscelin II > Count of Edessa (1113-1159) **Wikidata**: [Q55503](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55503) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joscelin_II,_Count_of_Edessa) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joscelin-ii ## Summary Joscelin II was a medieval monarch and ruler who served as the Count of Edessa from 1113 until his death in 1159. A member of the House of Courtenay, he is historically identified as a human politician and ruler who held significant political power in the Crusader states. His primary role was governing the County of Edessa during a turbulent period in the 12th century. ## Biography - Born: 1113-01-01 - Nationality: Not specified in source material (associated with the County of Edessa and House of Courtenay) - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Serving as the Count of Edessa and leading the region during the 12th century - Employer(s): Not applicable (held sovereign title as Count) - Field(s): Monarchy, Politics, Rulership ## Contributions Joscelin II's primary contribution was his leadership as the Count of Edessa, a role he held for nearly half a century. He is associated with the historical events surrounding the Battle of Edessa in 1146, a significant conflict during his tenure. His governance defined the political landscape of the County of Edessa during his lifetime, maintaining the lineage of the Courtenay family in the region. ## FAQs **Who was Joscelin II?** Joscelin II was a medieval ruler and politician who held the title of Count of Edessa from 1113 to 1159. He was a member of the House of Courtenay and is classified as a human monarch within historical records. **What is the significance of the Battle of Edessa 1146 regarding Joscelin II?** The Battle of Edessa in 1146 is a key historical event linked to Joscelin II's life and reign. This battle is visually documented in historical archives under the image file "Battle of Edeesa 1146.jpg," marking a pivotal moment in his rule. **What family lineage did Joscelin II belong to?** He belonged to the Courtenay family, specifically identified by the genealogical reference "Courtenay-581." His full name is often recorded as Joscelin II de Courtenay, highlighting his dynastic connection. ## Why They Matter Joscelin II represents a critical figure in the history of the Crusader states, specifically regarding the administration and defense of the County of Edessa. His long tenure as Count helped establish the Courtenay dynasty's influence in the region during the 12th century. Without his leadership, the political continuity of Edessa during the mid-1100s would have been significantly altered, impacting the broader geopolitical landscape of the time. His life serves as a documented example of medieval rulership and the challenges faced by Christian states in the Levant. ## Notable For - Holding the title of Count of Edessa for 46 years (1113–1159). - Being a member of the House of Courtenay (Courtenay-581). - His association with the Battle of Edessa in 1146. - Serving as a monarch, politician, and ruler simultaneously. - Being identified with multiple historical database entries (e.g., P1185: 396870, 349318; P1819: I00076112). ## Body ### Early Life and Identity Joscelin II was born on January 1, 1113, and lived until January 1, 1159. He is classified as a human being, a unique extant species of the genus Homo. His identity is firmly rooted in his role as a monarch and a ruler, making him a central figure in the political hierarchy of his time. He is also categorized as a politician, reflecting his active engagement in government and governance structures. ### Reign as Count of Edessa The primary defining characteristic of Joscelin II's life was his tenure as the Count of Edessa. He assumed this title in 1113 and held it continuously until his death in 1159. During this period, he functioned as the head of the monarchy for the county, exercising authority over the region. His rule is documented under the Wikipedia title "Joscelin II, Count of Edessa" and is associated with the Wikidata description "Count of Edessa (1113-1159)." ### Historical Events and Conflicts A significant event during his life was the Battle of Edessa in 1146. This conflict is visually represented in historical records by the image file "Battle of Edeesa 1146.jpg." The battle represents a major historical milestone connected to his administration and the military challenges faced by the County of Edessa. His involvement in this era of conflict underscores the volatile nature of his political field. ### Genealogy and Family Connections Joscelin II is inextricably linked to the House of Courtenay. He is frequently referred to by the alias "Joscelin II de Courtenay," emphasizing his familial lineage. Genealogical records identify him with the specific family tree entry "Courtenay-581." Additional identifiers link him to various historical databases, including references such as "p=josselin;n=de courtenay;oc=3" and "p823.htm#i8227," which catalog his position within the broader family structure. ### Historical Documentation and Archives Extensive data exists regarding Joscelin II across multiple historical and academic repositories. He is assigned the Freebase ID "/m/0243t6" and the VIAF ID "396870, 349318." Other unique identifiers include "I00076112" and "4533." His presence is noted in 31 different sitelinks across various language editions of Wikipedia, indicating a broad historical footprint. The image "Battle of Edeesa 1146.jpg" serves as a primary visual record, while the category "Joscelin II, Count of Edessa" organizes related historical content. His occupation is listed under multiple classification codes (Q116, Q82955, Q1097498), reflecting his multifaceted role as a human, monarch, and politician. ## References 1. WikiTree 2. The Peerage 3. [Source](http://www.manfred-hiebl.de/mittelalter-genealogie/_kreuzzuege/courtenay/joscelin_2_de_courtenay_graf_von_edessa_1159.html) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013