A map of the Crusader states in 1190

Bohemond IV of Antioch (The One-Eyed)

Bohemond IV of Antioch, also known as Bohemond the One-Eyed, was Count of Tripoli and Prince of Antioch. He seized control of Antioch in an alliance with the Knights Hospitallier, the Knight Templar and Italian merchants.

The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

Henry of Antioch

There are few records of Henry of Antioch, also known as Henry de Poitiers. He died off the coast of Tyre, in present day Lebanon while sailing on a German ship.

The family crest for the de Lusignan family

Hugh III (The Great) of Cyprus

Hugh III adopted his mother’s family name of de Lusignan since he inherited Cyprus through her family. This marks the beginning of what historians call the second House of Lusignan.

The coat of arms of the Kings of Jerusalem and Cyprus

King Hugh IV of Cyprus

Hugh IV became King of Cyprus when his childless uncle died. Unwilling to start a new crusade to fight the Arabs, Hugh was content to deal with the Venetians for a peaceful life.

A photo of the Siberia Gate - Genoa, Italy

Janus of Cyprus

Janus of Cyprus was a King of Cyprus and the titular King of Armenian Cilicia and Jerusalem. He was born in captivity in Genoa. He is one of my maternal 14 x great-grandfathers.

Paola Mazzara

Paola Mazzara was a Sicilian heiress who married Eugene of Lusignan, styled d’Armenia. She is one of my maternal 11 x great-grandmothers.

Eugene d’Armenia

Prince Eugene Matteo of Lusignan styled himself as d’Armenia. He escaped Cyprus for Padua, Naples, then Sicily to avoid the Venetians who were assassinating hisRead More

A painting of King John II of Cyprus

King Jean II of Cyprus

King Jean, or John, II was King of Cyprus who left an illegitimate heir which caused the reign of Kings of Cyprus to die out at the hands of the Venetians.