# Maria of Montferrat

> Queen of Jerusalem (1192-1212) (r.1205-1212)

**Wikidata**: [Q234706](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234706)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_of_Montferrat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maria-of-montferrat

## Summary
Maria of Montferrat was Queen of Jerusalem from 1205 to 1212, ruling during a critical period of the Crusader Kingdom. Her reign marked by political and military challenges, including the Fourth Crusade and the loss of Jerusalem to the Muslims in 1212. She is primarily remembered as a monarch who navigated the complexities of medieval diplomacy and warfare in the Holy Land.

## Biography
- Born: [date and place not specified]
- Nationality: Italian (Montferrat)
- Education: [not specified]
- Known for: Governing the Kingdom of Jerusalem during a period of decline
- Employer(s): Kingdom of Jerusalem
- Field(s): Medieval politics, military leadership

## Contributions
Maria of Montferrat's reign was marked by the Fourth Crusade (1202–1204), which diverted Crusader forces from the Holy Land. She played a role in defending Jerusalem but ultimately saw its fall in 1212. Her leadership during this period shaped the political and military landscape of the Crusader Kingdom.

## FAQs
**What was Maria of Montferrat's role in the Kingdom of Jerusalem?**
Maria of Montferrat served as Queen of Jerusalem from 1205 to 1212, ruling during a time of significant political and military instability, including the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Jerusalem.

**Where did Maria of Montferrat come from?**
Maria of Montferrat was of Italian origin, hailing from the Montferrat region, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire.

**What major events occurred during her reign?**
Her reign was marked by the Fourth Crusade, which diverted Crusader forces away from the Holy Land, and the eventual fall of Jerusalem in 1212.

## Why They Matter
Maria of Montferrat's reign is significant for its role in the broader history of the Crusader Kingdom. Her leadership during the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Jerusalem highlight the challenges faced by medieval monarchs in defending the Holy Land. Her story provides insight into the political and military dynamics of the time, influencing later historical narratives of the Crusades.

## Notable For
- Ruled the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Fourth Crusade (1205–1212)
- Survived the fall of Jerusalem in 1212
- Italian monarch who shaped the political landscape of the Crusader Kingdom

## Body
### Early Life
Maria of Montferrat was born in the Montferrat region, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire. Little is known about her early life or education, but she later became involved in the politics of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

### Reign as Queen of Jerusalem
Maria of Montferrat ascended to the throne in 1205, succeeding her husband, King Amalric II. Her reign was marked by the Fourth Crusade, which diverted Crusader forces away from the Holy Land. Despite efforts to defend Jerusalem, the city fell in 1212, marking a significant turning point in the Crusader Kingdom.

### Political and Military Challenges
Maria faced significant challenges in maintaining the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Fourth Crusade, which targeted Constantinople instead of the Holy Land, weakened Crusader defenses. Her leadership during this period shaped the political and military landscape of the time.

### Legacy
Maria of Montferrat's reign is remembered for its role in the broader history of the Crusades. Her survival of the fall of Jerusalem and her leadership during the Fourth Crusade provide valuable insights into the complexities of medieval politics and warfare. Her story continues to influence historical narratives of the Crusader Kingdom.

## References

1. Source
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013