Origins of the Crusader State of Antioch 1096 - 1098
The Principality of Antioch was one of the crusader states created during the First Crusade (1096 - 1099), which included parts of Turkey and Syria. The principality was much smaller than the County of Edessa or the Kingdom of Jerusalem. It extended around the northeastern edge of the Mediterranean, bordering the County of Tripoli to the south, Edessa to the east, and the Byzantine Empire or the Kingdom of Armenia to the northwest, depending on the date. Most of the crusaders who settled there were of Norman origin, from the Norman Kingdom of southern Italy. The first rulers of the principality, surrounded themselves with their own loyal subjects from southern Italy. In 1096, the Crusaders arrived into the Holy Land. While Baldwin of Boulogne (Count of Verdun), headed east to set up the County of Edessa, the main army of the First Crusade continued south to besiege Antioch. On 20 October 1097, Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto) commanded the siege of Antioch (1097 - 1098), which lasted throughout the winter causing much attrition among the Crusader force. On 3 June 1098, Bohemond I convinced Firouz (an Armenian guard in one of the towers), to let the Crusaders enter the city. On 7 June, a Muslim army led by Kerbogha (Governor of Mosul), arrived to besiege the Crusaders themselves. On 28 June, Bohemond I led the Crusaders out the city and defeated Kerbogha, routing his army. Bohemond I and the Italian Normans eventually won the dispute over who should control the city, and Bohemond I named himself prince.

Bohemond I - Prince of Taranto 1088 - 1111 & Prince of Antioch 1098 - 1111
Bohemond was born (c. 1054 – 3 March 1111), the son of Robert Guiscard (Count of Apulia and Calabria). In 1079, Bohemond fought in his father's army during the rebellion of Jordan I (Prince of Capua), Geoffrey (Count of Conversano) and other Norman barons. In 1081, his father sent him at the head of an advance guard against the Byzantine Empire, capturing Valona (Vlorë in Albania). In May 1081, Robert Guiscard arrived, and they laid siege to Dyrrhachium (Durres, Albania). On 18 October, Alexios I Komnenos (Byzantine Emperor), and his army suffered a crushing defeat by Robert Guiscard and Bohemond. On 21 February 1082, the Normans captured Dyrrhachium. The Byzantine Emperor's agents stirred up a rebellion in Southern Italy, forcing Robert Guiscard to return to Apulia, and left Bohemond with command of his army. Bohemond defeated the Byzantines at Ioannina and at Arta, taking control of most of Macedonia and Thessaly (northern Greece). In 1084, Bohemond accompanied his father when they defeated the Venetian fleet and captured Corfu from the Byzantines. In December 1084, an epidemic decimated the Normans, including Bohemond who was taken seriously ill, and forced to return to Italy. On 17 July 1085, Robert Guiscard died. Sikelgaita (widow of Robert Guiscard), persuaded the army to acclaim her son (Roger Borsa), his father's successor. The assembly of Norman barons confirmed the succession, but Bohemond regarded himself his father's lawful heir. Bohemond and Roger Borsa met to reach a compromise. Bohemond received Taranto, Oria, Otranto, Brindisi and Gallipoli, but acknowledged Roger Borsa as Count of Apulia and Calabria. In 1087, Bohemond started a war against his brother. In 1090, Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto), captured Bari and then took control of most lands to the south of Melfi. In 1097, Bohemond I joined the 1st Crusade (1096 - 1099), gathering a Norman army (500 knights and 2,500–3,500 infantry soldiers), alongside his nephew (Tancred de Hauteville) force of 2,000 men. In April 1097, Bohemond I arrived at Constantinople and took an oath of homage to Alexios I (Byzantine Emperor). Bohemond I's familiarity with Eastern strategy made him a natural leader amongst the crusaders. In October 1097, Bohemond I reached Antioch and played a key role in gathering supplies and stopping Ridwan (Emir of Aleppo) relieving the city. Due to his successful efforts Bohemond I was seen as the actual leader of the siege of Antioch, rather than the elected leader Stephen (Count of Blois). On 20 October 1097, Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto) commanded the siege of Antioch (1097 - 1098), which lasted throughout the winter. On 3 June 1098, Bohemond I convinced Firouz (an Armenian guard in one of the towers), to let the Crusaders enter the city. On 7 June, a Muslim army led by Kerbogha (Governor of Mosul), arrived to besiege the Crusaders themselves. On 28 June, Bohemond I led the Crusaders out the city and defeated Kerbogha, routing his army. Bohemond I and the Italian Normans eventually won the dispute over who should control the city, and Bohemond I named himself prince. In January 1099, Raymond IV (Count of Toulouse and acknowledged leader of 1st Crusade), gave up Antioch to Bohemond I, as he led the other crusaders south to capture Jerusalem. In July 1099, the Crusaders captured Jerusalem, whilst Bohemond I was besieging Latakia (port in Syria), but was forced by Raymond IV returning from Jerusalem to abandon the siege. In December 1099, Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto and Antioch), travelled with Baldwin I (Count of Edessa), to Jerusalem to fulfill their crusade vows. In 1100, Bohemond I received a petition for help from Gabriel (Armenian Chieftain of Melitene). Gazi Gümüshtigin (Emir of Danishmends), was preparing an expedition to capture Melitene (Anatolia, SW Turkey). In August 1100, Bohemond I marched north with only 300 knights and a small force of foot soldiers. Failing to send out scouting parties, they were ambushed by the Danishmends at the battle of Melitene. Bohemond I was captured and imprisoned in Neo-Caesarea (Niksar, northern Turkey). Alexios I (Byzantine Emperor), offered to redeem Bohemond I for 260,000 dinars, if Gümüshtigin would hand him over to Byzantium, but was declined. In August 1103, Bohemond I was ransomed by Baldwin II (Count of Edessa), and returned back to Antioch. During his captivity, his nephew (Tancred de Hauteville), had been regent of Antioch for three years. During that period, Tancred had campaigned against the Byzantines, and had added Tarsus, Adana and Massissa in Cilicia to his uncle's territory. Early in 1104, Baldwin II and Bohemond I joined forces and marched north to attack Harran (SE Turkey). On 7 May 1104, Bohemond I was decisively defeated by Sokmen (Seljuq Emir) and Jikirmish (Emir of Mosul), at the battle of Harran. In 1104, Bohemond I returned to Europe for reinforcements. Bohemond I's heroics and new status, won him the hand of Constance (daughter of Philip I, King of France). In 1107, Bohemond I and Constance produced a son (Bohemond II). In 1107, Bohemond I with his recruited army of 34,000, besieged Dyrrachium against the Byzantines. In 1108, Alexios I (Byzantine Emperor), blockaded the Norman camp, forcing Bohemond I to negotiate. Under the Treaty of Deabolis, the Principality of Antioch became the vassal of the Byzantium Empire. Between 5 - 7 March 1111, Bohemond I died in Apulia without returning to Antioch. Again in his absence, Antioch had been governed by his nephew Tancred de Hauteville.

Tancred de Hauteville - Regent of Antioch 1101 - 1112
Tancred was born (1075 – 5 December 1112), a son of Odo (Marquis of Hauteville), in Normandy. His maternal grandfather was Robert Guiscard (Count of Apulia and Calabria), and his maternal uncle was Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto and Antioch). In 1096, Tancred joined his uncle (Bohemond I, Prince of Taranto), on the First Crusade, making their way to Constantinople. In April 1097, whilst Bohemond I swore an oath of fealty to Alexios I (Byzantine Emperor), Tancred refused. In 1097, the Crusaders divided their forces at Heraclea Cybistra and Tancred entered the Levant by passing south through the Cilician Gates. Tancred was able to capture five important settlements in Cilicia Pedias, including the cities of Tarsus, Adana and Mopsuestia, and the strategic castles at Sarvandikar and Anazarbus (the last three sites would later be annexed into the Principality of Antioch). Between 1097 - 1098, Tancred assisted in the siege of Antioch, which was finally captured in October 1098, with Bohemond I as (Prince of Antioch). On 15 July 1099, during the assault on Jerusalem, Tancred, along with Gaston IV of Béarn, claimed to have been the first Crusader to enter the city. On 22 July 1099, the Kingdom of Jerusalem was established and Tancred was made Prince of Galilee. In 1100, Bohemond I was defeated and captured by the Danishmends at the battle of Melitene (Anatolia, SW Turkey). In August 1103, Bohemond I was ransomed by Baldwin II (Count of Edessa), and returned back to Antioch. During his captivity, his nephew (Tancred de Hauteville), had been regent of Antioch for three years. During that period, Tancred had campaigned against the Byzantines, and had added Tarsus, Adana and Massissa in Cilicia to his uncle's territory. Early in 1104, Baldwin II and Bohemond I joined forces and marched north to attack Harran (SE Turkey). On 7 May 1104, Bohemond I was decisively defeated by Sokmen (Seljuq Emir) and Jikirmish (Emir of Mosul), at the battle of Harran. In 1104, Baldwin II was taken captive after the battle of Harran. Tancred became regent of the county of Edessa and Antioch as Bohemond I had returned to Europe for reinforcements. In 1105, Tancred's victory over Radwan (Emir of Aleppo), at the battle of Artah, allowed the principality of Antioch to recover some its territories east of the Orontes River. In 1108, Tancred refused to honour the oath of fealty to Alexius, and for decades afterwards Antioch remained independent of the Byzantine Empire. In September 1108, after Baldwin II had been released from captivity, and Tancred defeated Baldwin II at Turbessel in a battle for the County of Edessa. In April 1109, Tancred gave up Turbessel and acknowledged Baldwin II as Count of Edessa. In return, Tancred was restored to his old domains in the Kingdom of Jerusalem as Prince of Galilee. In 1110, Tancred brought Krak des Chevaliers under his control, which become an important castle in the County of Tripoli. In 1107, Bohemond I had left Antioch with his recruited army of 34,000, and besieged Dyrrachium against the Byzantines. In 1108, Alexios I (Byzantine Emperor), blockaded the Norman camp, forcing Bohemond I to negotiate. Under the Treaty of Deabolis, the Principality of Antioch became the vassal of the Byzantium Empire. Between 5 - 7 March 1111, Bohemond I died in Apulia without returning to Antioch. Again in his absence, Antioch was been governed by his nephew Tancred de Hauteville. On 5 December 1112, Tancred died childless in Antioch.

Roger of Salerno - Regent of Antioch 1112 - 1119
Roger of Salerno was born (c 1080 - 28 June 1119), the son of Richard of Salerno and 2nd cousin of Tancred de Hauteville. In 1096, Roger and Tancred joined with Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto), on the First Crusade. On 5 December 1112, Tancred died and Roger became regent of Antioch, as Bohemond II was still a minor. Since 1111, Muhammad I Tapar (Seljuk Sultan), had campaigned against the Principality of Antioch and the County of Edessa. Roger came to an agreement with his Muslim neighbours, Toghtekin (Emir of Damascus), Ilghazi (Emir of Mardin) and Lu'lu' al-Yaya (Emir of Aleppo). Roger was vulnerable as he commanded a small force and could not fight all the Muslim neighbours. On 14 September 1115, Roger and Baldwin II (Count of Edessa) with around 2,700 troops, defeated Bursuq ibn Bursuq (Emir of Hamadan) and his 7,000 army, at the battle of Tell Danith (Sarmin, NW Syria). In 1117, Aleppo came under the rule of the Artuqid Ilghazi (Artuqid Emir of Mardin and Aleppo). In 1118, Baldwin II had died and was succeeded by Joscelin I as (Count of Edessa). Together the two crusader states managed to keep out the Muslim neighbours. In 1119, Ilghazi invaded the Principality of Antioch, and Roger marched out to meet the threat, without waiting for reinforcements from Jerusalem or Tripoli. On 28 June 1119, Ilghazi decisively defeated Roger at the battle of Ager Sanguinis (Sarmada, NW Syria). Most of the 700 knights, 500 Armenian cavalry and 3000 foot soldiers were killed, including Roger himself. Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem), came north to take over the regency of the principality.

Baldwin II - Regent of Antioch 1119 - 1126 & King of Jerusalem 1118 - 1131
Baldwin of Bourcq was born (c 1075 - 21 August 1131), the son of Hugh I (Count of Rethel). Baldwin accompanied Godfrey of Bouillon, and Baldwin of Boulogne, to the Holy Land during the First Crusade (1096 - 1099). In 1100, Godfrey of Bouillon (Protector of Jerusalem) died and was succeeded by his brother, Baldwin I (Count of Edessa) as King of Jerusalem. Consequently, Baldwin of Bourcq became Count of Edessa as Baldwin II. On 2 April 1118, Baldwin I (1st King of Jerusalem) died, and was succeeded by Baldwin II as King of Jerusalem. In 1118, Baldwin II took possession of most towns in the kingdom of Jerusalem and made Joscelin I as (Count of Edessa). In June 1119, the army of the Principality of Antioch was almost annihilated by Ilghazi (Artuqid Emir of Aleppo), at the battle of Ager Sanguinis, where Roger (Regent of Antioch) was killed. Baldwin II was elected as regent for the absent Bohemond II (Prince of Antioch). The frequent Seljuq invasions of the Principality of Antioch forced Baldwin II to spend most of his time in Antioch, which caused discontent in Jerusalem. In May 1120, Ilghazi (Emir of Aleppo) and his nephew (Belek Ghazi), invaded Edessa and Antioch. When Baldwin II and his army reached Antioch, Ilghazi agreed to sign a one year truce. In early 1121, Baldwin II returned to Jerusalem, after Toghtekin (Emir of Damascus), had made a raid against the principality of Galilee. In July, he invaded Damascene territory and destroyed a fortress that Toghtekin had recently erected near Jerash. In August 1121, David IV (King of Georgia), routed the united armies of Ilghazi and the Seljuq prince Toghrul Arslan (Seljuq Prince). Taking advantage of Ilghazi's weakness, Baldwin II launched a military campaign across the Orontes river. In November 1121, this forced Ilghazi's son to hand over the forts of Zardana, Atarib and others to the crusaders. In June 1122, Ilghazi and Belek Ghazi laid siege to the fort of Zardana, but Baldwin and Joscelin (Count of Edessa) forced them to lift the siege in July. In September 1122, Belek Ghazi ambushed and captured Joscelin (Count of Edessa) near Saruj. In November 1122, Ilghazi died, and his lands were divided among his sons and nephews. In April 1123, Baldwin II, persuaded Badr ad-Daulah Suleiman (new Emir of Aleppo), to restore Atarib to the crusaders. Baldwin II recaptured the fort of Birejik and made Geoffrey (Lord of Marash, Regent of Edessa), whilst Joscelin was in captivity. Later in 1123, Baldwin II was captured by Belek Ghazi (nephew of Ilghazi, Emir of Aleppo). During his absence, the army of Jerusalem captured Tyre with the assistance of a Venetian fleet. In August 1124, Baldwin II was released and he tried to capture Aleppo, but al-Bursuqi (Governor of Mosul), forced him to abandon the siege in early 1125. In April 1125, after more than two years absence, Baldwin II returned to Jerusalem. In 1125, al-Bursuqi (Governor of Mosul), Toghtekin (Emir of Damascus) and Khirkan (Emir of Homs) captured Kafartab, then laid siege to Zardana. In May, 1125, Baldwin II again went north, joined by Pons (Count of Tripoli) and Joscelin (Count of Edessa), and defeated the Seljuqs at the Battle of Azaz. Baldwin II, to gain more allies, had made Walter I Brisebarre (Lord of Beirut) and Pagan the Butler was made (Lord of Oultrejordain) in 1126. In early 1126, Baldwin II made a raid against Damascene territory across the river Jordan. Accompanied by almost the whole army, Baldwin routed Toghtekin (Emir of Damascus), and returned to the kingdom laden with booty. Shortly after, Baldwin II supported Pons (Count of Tripoli), in capturing Rafniye and in raiding the emirate of Homs. In July 1126, Al-Bursuqi (Governor of Mosul), laid siege to Atarib. Baldwin II with Joscelin (Count of Edessa), marched against al-Bursuqi, who retired back to Aleppo. In October 1126, having reached the age of majority Bohemond II (Prince of Antioch), came to Syria to claim his inheritance. Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem), relinquished his rule in Antioch,

Bohemond II - Prince of Taranto 1111 - 1128 & Prince of Antioch 1118 - 1130
Bohemond was born (1107 - February 1130), the son of Bohemond I (Prince of Taranto and Antioch). In September 1108, Bohemond I (Prince of Antioch) was forced to sign the Treaty of Devol. The treaty authorized the Byzantine Empire to annex the Principality of Antioch upon his death. Between 5 - 7 March 1111, Bohemond I died in Apulia (southern Italy), whilst his son (Bohemond II) was still a minor. Alexios I Komnenos (Byzantine Emperor), sent envoys to Tancred to demand control of Antioch as per the treaty of Devol, but Tancred refused and continued to govern the principality. On 5 December 1112, Tancred died childless in Antioch, and bequeathed Antioch to his nephew (Roger of Salerno), on the understanding that Roger was simply regent for the child Bohemond II. On 28 June 1119, the army of the Principality of Antioch was almost annihilated by Ilghazi (Artuqid Emir of Aleppo & Mardin), at the battle of Ager Sanguinis, where Roger (Regent of Antioch) was killed. Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem), came north to take over the regency of the principality. The nobles of Antioch proclaimed Baldwin II regent of Antioch, until Bohemond II came of age. In 1123, Baldwin II was captured by Belek Ghazi (nephew of Ilghazi, Emir of Aleppo & Mardin), and the burghers of Antioch sent envoys to Bohemond II, urging him to come to his principality. In 1123, Bohemond II reached the age of majority at the age of 16. In September 1126, Bohemond II sailed from Otranto (Italy), with a fleet of twenty four ships to meet Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem) in Antioch. In October, Baldwin II then ceded Antioch to Bohemond II. In 1127, Bohemond II (Prince of Antioch), came into conflict with Joscelin I (Count of Edessa), as Joscelin I had seized former Antiochene territories from Il-Bursuqi (Seljuq governor of Mosul). In addition, Bohemond II refused to cede Azaz to Joscelin I (Roger of Salerno, had promised Azaz to Joscelin I as the dowry for his second wife, Maria of Salerno). In 1127, Joscelin I invaded Antioch with the assistance of Turkish mercenaries, whilst Bohemond II was away on campaign. In early 1128, Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem), hurried to Antioch to mediate between Bohemond II and Joscelin I. Joscelin I agreed to restore the property to Bohemond II and to do homage to him. On 28 June 1128, the conflict between Bohemond II and Joscelin I enabled Imad ad-Din Zengi (Emir of Mosul), to seize Aleppo without resistance. Meanwhile on 25 July 1127, William II (Duke of Apulia), cousin of Bohemond II had died without issue. In May 1128, Roger II (King of Sicily), and the cousin of both William II and Bohemond II, invaded Bohemond II's Italian principality, capturing Taranto, Otranto and Brindisi without resistance. In November 1129, Baldwin II together with Bohemond II and Joscelin I, invaded Damascene territory and laid siege to Banias (northern Israel), but a heavy rainfall forced the crusaders to abandon the siege. In February 1130, Bohemond II decided to recover Anazarbus and other territories lost to Cilician Armenia. Traveling along the Ceyhan River, Leo I (King of Cilicia) and Gazi Gumushtigin (Emir of Danishmends), ambushed Bohemond II and his army, who were massacred.

Constance of Hauteville - Regent of Antioch 1130 - 1163
Constance of Hauteville (1127 – 1163), was the only child of Bohemond II (Prince of Antioch). In February 1130, Bohemond II decided to recover Anazarbus and other territories lost to Cilician Armenia. Traveling along the Ceyhan River, Leo I (King of Cilicia) and Gazi Gumushtigin (Emir of Danishmends), ambushed Bohemond II and his army, who were massacred. Princess Constance succeeded her father at the age of two, although Bohemond II's cousin (Roger II, King of Sicily), laid claim to Antioch. Her mother (Alice, daughter of Baldwin II, King of Jerusalem), assumed the regency. However, the Antiochene noblemen replaced her with Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem). On 21 August 1131, Baldwin II died, and Alice (his daughter) again tried to take control of the government. But the Antiochene barons chose (Fulk V, King of Jerusalem), to rule as regent for Constance. In mid 1136, Princess Constance was married to Raymond of Poitiers (second son of William IX, Duke of Aquitaine), who was made Prince of Antioch. Between 1140 - 1150, Raymond as the Prince ruled Antioch, while Constance gave birth to two boys and two girls. On 29 June 1149, the army of Nur al-Din Zengi (Zengid Emir), destroyed the army of Raymond (Prince of Antioch) at the battle of Inab (northern Syria). Raymond was killed, and the Principality of Antioch was subsequently pillaged and reduced in size. In 1149, Baldwin III (King of Jerusalem), assumed the regency, and tried to persuade Constance to remarry, but she refused his candidates. Around May 1153, Princess Constance was married to Raynald (Lord of Châtillon). In early 1161, Raynald (Prince of Antioch) made a plundering raid in the Marash valley to seize cattle, horses and camels from the local peasants. Majd ad-Din (Emir of Aleppo), gathered his troops and attacked Raynald on the way back to Antioch. Raynald was captured and sent back to Aleppo where he was put in jail (where he stayed for 15 years). With her husband in captivity, Princess Constance wanted to rule Antioch alone, but Baldwin III (King of Jerusalem), declared her fifteen year old son (Bohemond III), as the lawful Prince of Antioch. Constance did not accept the decision of Baldwin III and sought assistance from Manuel I Komnenos (Byzantine Emperor). On 24 December 1161, Maria (daughter of Constance), married Manuel I (Byzantine Emperor), who confirmed Constance as the lawful Princess of Antioch. Baldwin III (King of Jerusalem) travelled to Antioch to meet Manuel I and did not protest. In 1163, Bohemond III (eldest son of Constance), reached the age of majority. To strengthen her position against her son (Bohemond III), Constance sought assistance from Constantine Kalamanos (Byzantine governor of Cilicia). However, the Antiochene barons made an alliance with Thoros II (King of Cilician Armenia), and forced Constance to leave Antioch. After Constance's removal, Bohemond III (Prince of Antioch), took control of the principality, and Constance died shortly afterwards.

Raymond of Poitiers - Prince of Antioch 1136 - 1149
Raymond of Poitiers was born (c. 1105 – 29 June 1149), the second son of (William IX, Duke of Aquitaine). Princess Constance succeeded her father (Bohemond II) at the age of two, although Bohemond II's cousin (Roger II, King of Sicily), laid claim to Antioch. Her mother (Alice, daughter of Baldwin II, King of Jerusalem), assumed the regency. However, the Antiochene noblemen replaced her with Baldwin II (King of Jerusalem). On 21 August 1131, Baldwin II died, and Alice (his daughter) again tried to take control of the government. But the Antiochene barons chose (Fulk V, King of Jerusalem), to rule as regent for Constance. In mid 1136, Princess Constance was married to Raymond of Poitiers, who was made Prince of Antioch. Between 1140 - 1150, Raymond as the Prince ruled Antioch, while Constance gave birth to two boys and two girls. On 29 June 1149, the army of Nur al-Din Zengi (Zengid Emir), destroyed the army of Raymond (Prince of Antioch) at the battle of Inab (northern Syria). Raymond was killed, and the Principality of Antioch was subsequently pillaged and reduced in size.

Reynald of Chatillon - Prince of Antioch 1153 - 1160
Raynald of Châtillon was born (c 1125 – 4 July 1187), the younger son of Hervé II (Lord of Donzy), and inherited the Lordship of Châtillon-sur-Loire, Central France. In 1147, after losing a part of his inheritance, Raynald joined the Second Crusade (1147 - 1149). Raynald settled in the Kingdom of Jerusalem and served in the royal army as a mercenary. In 1149, Baldwin III (King of Jerusalem), assumed the regency, and tried to persuade Constance to remarry, but she refused his candidates. Around May 1153, Princess Constance was married to Raynald (Lord of Châtillon). In early 1161, Raynald (Prince of Antioch) made a plundering raid in the Marash valley to seize cattle, horses and camels from the local peasants. Majd ad-Din (Emir of Aleppo), gathered his troops and attacked Raynald on the way back to Antioch. Raynald was captured and sent back to Aleppo where he was put in jail (where he stayed for 15 years). With her husband in captivity, Princess Constance wanted to rule Antioch alone, but Baldwin III (King of Jerusalem), declared her fifteen year old son (Bohemond III), as the lawful Prince of Antioch. Constance ruled Antioch as regent from 1160 - 1163, when she died. In 1163, Bohemond III (Prince of Antioch), took control of the principality of Antioch.

Lord of Transjordan 1176 - 1187
In 1176, Raynald was released from prison and married Stephanie of Milly (Lady of Transjordan or Oultrejordain). Since Baldwin IV (King of Jerusalem), had also granted Hebron to him, Raynald was one of the wealthiest barons in the kingdom (controlling the caravan routes between Egypt and Syria). By 1176, Saladin (Sultan of Egypt and Syria), had encircled the crusader states by conquering the Muslim principalities in Egypt and Syria. In 1177, Baldwin IV (who suffered from leprosy), made Raynald regent of Jerusalem. In November 1177, with the Christian army in northern Syria, Saladin chose to invade Asaclon. Baldwin IV and Raynald (Lord of Transjordan) rode to meet Saladin, while the Knights Templar hurried to defend Gaza (Palestine). In late November, Saladin reached Ascalon, but Baldwin IV vastly outnumbered refused to meet Saladin and retreated into the city. Baldwin IV contacted the Knights Templars and ordered them to abandon Gaza and join him in Asaclon. Baldwin IV and Raynald of Transjordan joined up with the Templars along the coast and attacked Saladin's dispersed army at Montgisard (Israel). Saladin's army suffered a crushing defeat, with Saladin barely escaping. In early 1183, Raynald built a fleet of five ships which plundered the coast of the Red Sea, threatening the route of the Muslim pilgrims towards Mecca. In May 1180, Baldwin IV (King of Jerusalem), proposed a two year truce with Saladin (Sultan of Egypt and Syria), who was glad to accept, so that he could campaign freely in northern Syria. In March 1185, Baldwin IV died, and was succeeded by his nephew (Baldwin V), under the regency of Raymond III (Count of Tripoli). Between May - September 1186, Baldwin V died of unknown causes in Acre. Heraclius (Patriarch of Jerusalem), the Grand Masters of the Templars and Hospitallers, and Raynald (Lord of Transjordan) decided to offer Sibylla (daughter of Amalric I, King of Jerusalem 1163 - 1174), and her husband (Guy of Lusignan) the crown of Jerusalem. In late 1186 - early 1187, Raynald (Lord of Transjordan), attacked a caravan travelling from Egypt to Syria, claiming that the truce between Saladin and the Kingdom of Jerusalem did not apply to him. After Raynald refused to pay a compensation, Saladin (Sultan of Egypt and Syria), invaded the kingdom of Jerusalem and annihilated the crusader army at the battle of Hattin. Raynald was captured and Saladin personally beheaded him.

Bohemond III - Prince of Antioch 1163 - 1201
Bohemond III was born (c 1148 – 1201), the elder son of Constance of Antioch and her first husband, Raymond of Poitiers. In 1163, Bohemond III reached the age of majority. To strengthen her position against her son (Bohemond III), Constance sought assistance from Constantine Kalamanos (Byzantine governor of Cilicia). However, the Antiochene barons made an alliance with Thoros II (King of Cilician Armenia), and forced Constance to leave Antioch. After Constance's removal, Bohemond III (Prince of Antioch), took control of the principality, and Constance died shortly afterwards. In September 1163, Nur ad-Din Zengi (Seljuk Emir of Aleppo and Damascus), laid siege to the fortress of Krak des Chevaliers. Raymond III (Count of Tripoli) requested assistance and Bohemond III (Prince of Antioch), and Constantine Kalamanos (Byzantine governor of Cilicia), hurried in response. Nur ad Din Zengi was defeated by the united Christian armies at the battle of al-Buqaia (Lebanon). In July 1164, Amalric I (King of Jerusalem), entrusted the government of Jerusalem to Bohemond III before departing for his campaign against Egypt. Taking advantage of Bohemond III's absence, Nur ad-Din Zengi attacked the fortress at Harenc in the Principality of Antioch (Harem, Syria). Bohemond III, Raymond III (Count of Tripoli), Thoros II (King of Armenian Cilicia), and Constantine Kalamanos (Governor of Byzantine Cicilia), marched to Harenc, forcing Nur ad-Din Zengi to retreat. Bohemond III and the Christian army chased Nur ad Din Zengi and clashed at the battle of Harim on 10 August 1164. Nur ad-Din Zengi almost annihilated the Christian army, and most of the Christian commanders (including Bohemond III) were captured. Nur ad Din Zengi then turned about and captured Harenc, taking all his prisoners to Aleppo. Amalric I (King of Jerusalem) hurried to Antioch to start negotiations with Nur ad-Din, who released Bohemond III, along with Thoros II (King of Cilicia), for a ransom. Soon after his release, Bohemond III visited Manuel I (Byzantine Emperor), in Constantinople and paid homage to him. In return for monetary aid, Bohemond III agreed to reinstate Constantine Kalamanos as Byzantine governor of Cilicia. In 1170, Mleh I (Armenian Lord of Cilicia), seized Cilicia with Nur ad-Din Zengi's help, then besieged Bagras (the fortress of the Knights Templars) near Antioch. Bohemond III and Amalric I (King of Jerusalem), defeated Mleh I, forcing him to restore the towns of the Cilician plains to the Byzantine Empire. In May 1176, Bohemond III concluded an alliance with Gumushtekin (governor of Aleppo), against Saladin (Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt and Syria). Gumushtekin released his Christian prisoners (including Bohemond III's stepfather, Raynald of Châtillon). In 1177, Bohemond III married Theodora (Grand niece of Manuel I, Byzantine Emperor). In September 1177, Philip I (Count of Flanders), arrived in the kingdom of Jerusalem. In December 1177, Philip I and Bohemond III laid siege to the fortress of Harenc, held by As-Salih Ismail al-Malik (Emir of Damascus). As-Salih paid 50,000 dinars and gave half of the nearby villages to Bohemond III. In early 1180, Bohemond III and Raymond III (Count of Tripoli), marched to Jerusalem, to help choose a husband for Sibylla (sister of Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem). Baldwin IV gave Sibylla in marriage to Guy of Lusignan (landless knight). In May 1182, Bohemond III made peace with Imad ad-Din Zengi II (Emir of Aleppo), and then made peace with Saladin (Sultan of Egypt and Syria). In March 1185, Baldwin IV (King of Jerusalem) made Raymond III (Count of Tripoli) as regent for his nephew Baldwin V. Between May - September 1186, Baldwin V died of unknown causes in Acre. Baldwin V's mother (Sibylla), established herself as the successor to her son, then made her husband (Guy of Lusignan), as King of Jerusalem. In 1186, Syrian Turkmen invaded Cilicia, forcing Leo (King of Cilicia), to swear fealty to Bohemond III in exchange for help. The Syrian Turkmen continued to pillage and plunder around Latakia and the nearby mountains, until the Antiochene army defeated them and seized their booty. On 4 July 1187, Saladin (Sultan of Egypt and Syria), crushed the Christian army at the battle of Hattin (Galilee, Israel), capturing Jerusalem and re-establishing Muslim military dominance in the Levant. Raymond (eldest son of Bohemond III) was one of the few Christian leaders to escape from the battlefield. Within three months, Saladin had captured almost all towns and fortresses of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. On 17 October 1187, Raymond III (Count of Tripoli) died, and willed the County of Tripoli to Raymond IV (eldest son of Bohemond III). However in 1189, Bohemond III sent his younger son (Bohemond IV), to take control of Tripoli, and brought Raymond IV back to Antioch, as one ruler could not defend both Antioch and Tripoli. On 1 July 1188, Saladin started the invasion of northern Syria, capturing Latakia and the fortresses along the Orontes River in August. In September, the Knights Templar surrendered their fortress at Bagras to Saladin and Bohemond III pleaded for a truce, offering the release of his Muslim prisoners. On 1 October 1188, Saladin granted a truce until 31 May 1189, with Bohemond III retaining only his capital and the port of St Symeon. Bohemond III requested assistance from Frederick Barbarossa (HRE), offering him the suzerainty over Antioch. In May 1180, Frederick Barbarossa (HRE), departed Germany but died unexpectedly near Seleucia in Asia Minor (Silifke in Turkey) on 10 June 1190. His son, Frederick VI (Duke of Swabia), took over the command of the army, but most crusaders decided to return to Europe. In May 1191, Bohemond III sailed to Cyprus to meet Richard I (King of England), who had arrived to reconquer the Holy Land from Saladin. On 30 October 1192, after Richard I (King of England) left the Holy Land, Bohemond III met Saladin in Beirut (Lebanon). They signed a ten year truce that included both Antioch and Tripoli but did not cover Armenian Cilicia. Sibylla (Bohemond III's wife), wanted to secure Antioch for her son (William), with the assistance of Leo (King of Cilicia). Leo invited Bohemond III and his family to Bagras (Armenia, Turkey). Bohemond III was captured and taken to Leo's capital in Sis (Adana, Turkey), and forced to surrender Antioch to Leo. The burghers of Antioch refused entry to Leo's troops and declared Raymond IV (eldest son of Bohemond III), as regent for his imprisoned father. Raymond IV's younger brother (Bohemond IV), also hurried from Tripoli to Antioch, and the Armenian forces had to return to Cilicia. In 1195, Henry I (King of Jerusalem) came to Antioch to mediate a peace treaty. After Bohemond III renounced his claim to suzerainty over Cilicia and acknowledged Leo's possession of Bagras, Leo released him and his retainers. In 1195, Raymond IV (Prince of Antioch) married Alice (Leo's niece and heir). In early 1197, Raymond IV died, but Alice gave birth to a posthumous son (Raymond-Roupen). Bohemond III sent Alice and her infant son to Cilicia. In October 1197, Bohemond III assisted Henry I (Duke of Brabant), in capturing Beirut (Lebanon). In 1198, Conrad of Wittelsbach (Archbishop of Mainz), had come to Antioch to secure Raymond-Roupen's right to succeed Bohemond III. Bohemond III summoned the Antiochene noblemen, who swore fealty to his grandson. Bohemond IV (Count of Tripoli), regarded himself his father's lawful heir, because he was Bohemond III eldest surviving son. In late 1198, Bohemond IV went to Antioch and persuaded the commune to accept his rule. In April 1201, Bohemond III died, and Bohemond IV hurried to Antioch to attend his funeral. The commune of Antioch proclaimed Bohemond IV as Prince of Antioch and Count of Tripoli).

Bohemond IV - Prince of Antioch 1201 - 1216 & 1219 - 1233 & Count of Tripoli 1187 - 1233
Bohemond was born (c 1175 - March 1233), the youngest son of Bohemond III (Prince of Antioch). On 17 October 1187, Raymond III (Count of Tripoli) died, and willed the County of Tripoli to Raymond IV (eldest son of Bohemond III). However in 1189, Bohemond III sent his younger son (Bohemond IV), to take control of Tripoli, and brought Raymond IV back to Antioch, as one ruler could not defend both Antioch and Tripoli. On 1 July 1188, Saladin started the invasion of northern Syria, capturing Latakia and the fortresses along the Orontes River in August. In 1195, Raymond IV (Prince of Antioch) married Alice (niece and heir of Leo I, King of Armenia). In early 1197, Raymond IV died, but Alice gave birth to a posthumous son (Raymond-Roupen). Bohemond III sent Alice and her infant son to Cilicia. In 1198, Conrad of Wittelsbach (Archbishop of Mainz), had come to Antioch to secure Raymond-Roupen's right to succeed Bohemond III. Bohemond III summoned the Antiochene noblemen, who swore fealty to his grandson. Bohemond IV (Count of Tripoli), regarded himself his father's lawful heir, because he was Bohemond III eldest surviving son. In late 1198, Bohemond IV went to Antioch and persuaded the commune to accept his rule. In April 1201, Bohemond III died, and Bohemond IV hurried to Antioch to attend his funeral. The burghers of Antioch proclaimed Bohemond IV as Prince of Antioch and Count of Tripoli), as Bohemond IV seized Antioch with the support of the Knights Templar, the Hospitallers, and the Italian merchants. Bohemond IV made an alliance with Az-Zahir Ghazi (Ayyubid Emir of Aleppo), and Kaykaus I (Seljuq Sultan of Rum). In the following years, they often invaded Cilicia to prevent Leo I (King of Cilicia) from attacking Antioch. In 1203, Renoart of Nephin (a vassal of Bohemond IV), married Isabel (heiress of Gibelcar), without his authorization, and the High Court of Tripoli ordered the confiscation of Renoart's fiefs. Suddenly, Renoart of Nephin became a threat as he gained the support of Leo I (King of Armenia) and Aimery I (King of Cyprus and Jerusalem). During 1204, Renoart of Nephin pillaged the countryside, then led his troops to Tripoli. In April 1205, Bohemond IV finally crushed the rebellion, capturing both Nephin and Gibelcar before the end of the year. Renoart was forced to flee to Cyprus, and Bohemond IV returned to Antioch.

Peter of Angoulême helped Raymond-Roupen's supporters to return from Cilicia to Antioch in late 1207.
Surprised by the coup, Bohemond sought refuge in the citadel.
Although Leo of Cilicia also entered the town, Bohemond was able to muster his troops and defeat his enemies. 

The Hospitallers made raids against Hama, Homs and Latakia from their castles in Bohemond's realms.
Al-Adil I, the Ayyubid ruler of Damascus and Egypt, blamed Bohemond for the knights' actions.
Al-Adil broke into the County of Tripoli, forcing Bohemond to pay a compensation in 1208 or 1209.

Az-Zahir Ghazi invaded Cilicia to prevent Leo from attacking Antioch in 1209.
Cilician soldiers who tried to seize a caravan wounded the grand master of the Knights Templar Guillaume de Chartres, in a skirmish on the plains near Antioch in 1211.
John of Brienne, King of Jerusalem, sent reinforcements to Antioch to fight against the Armenians.
Leo dispatched Raymond-Roupen to attack the Templars' domains in Bohemond's principality in 1212.

A group of Assassins murdered Bohemond's eldest son, Raymond, in 1213.
The Assassins were tributaries to the Hospitallers and Bohemond suspected the Hospitallers had been involved in the murder.
After Bohemond and the Templars laid siege their fortress at Khawabi, the Assassins sought assistance from Bohemond's old ally, Az-Zahir Ghazi.
Az-Zahir Ghazi appealed to Al-Adil, although they had been enemies.
Their alliance forced Bohemond to lift the siege and to send an apology to Az-Zahir Ghazi.

Bohemond preferred to stay in Tripoli which caused discontent among the citizens of Antioch.
Peter of Ivrea, the Hospitallers and Acharie of Sermin, who was the senechal of Antioch and head of the commune, started negotiations with Leo of Cilicia about the surrender of Antioch to Raymond-Roupen.
They helped the Cilician troops to enter Antioch on 14 February 1216.
The Templars abandoned the citadel without resistance and Raymond-Roupen was installed as prince.
Duke Leopold VI of Austria, who landed at Acre in late summer 1217, invited Bohemond to join the Fifth Crusade.
Bohemond and his vassals marched to Acre.
However, the crusade ended in failure because of the lack of a united command.
Bohemond left the Kingdom of Jerusalem together with Andrew II of Hungary and Hugh I of Cyprus in January 1218.
Andrew attended at the wedding of Bohemond and Hugh's half-sister Melisende in Tripoli.
During the same year, Moslem troops made a plundering raid against the County of Tripoli.

Conflicts
In 1219, a group of Antiochene noblemen rose up against Raymond-Roupen who had lost Leo of Cilicia's support. Their leader, William Farabel, urged Bohemond to come to Antioch.
Raymond-Roupen sought refuge in the citadel, but he was forced to leave Antioch.
He entrusted the citadel to the Hospitallers.
Bohemond hurried to Antioch and seized the principality.
The Hospitallers abandoned the citadel without resistance.

Constantine of Baberon, the regent for Isabella of Cilicia, offered her hand to Bohemond's son, Philip, because he needed Bohemond's assistance against Kayqubad I, Sultan of Rum.
Bohemond accepted the offer and his son married Isabella in June 1222.
Bohemond and Philip repelled a Seljuq attack against Cilicia.
Philip's blatant favoritism towards his Frankish retainers enabled Constantine of Baberon to hatch a plot against him.
Philip and his supporters were captured and imprisoned at the end of 1224.
Bohemond persuaded Kayqubad I to invade Cilicia.
Although Bohemond's son had already been poisoned, Constantine of Baberon promised that Philip would be released if Bohemond come to Cilicia.
Shortly after Bohemond's departure, Shihab ad-Din Toghrul, atabeg of Aleppo, broke into the Principality of Antioch.
After learning of his son's death and Toghrul's invasion, Bohemond hurried back.

The Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II, summoned the Christian rulers of Syria and the Holy Land to Cyprus.
Bohemond joined him while Frederick was marching from Limassol to Nicosia in August 1228.
Frederick demanded an oath of fealty for Antioch and Tripoli from Bohemond, but Bohemond feigned a nervous breakdown and returned to Nephin.
Bohemond again met Frederick in Acre in 1229, but Bohemond's realms were not included in the peace treaty between Frederick and Al-Kamil, sultan of Egypt, on 18 February 1229.

With the mediation of Gerald and the Ibelins, Bohemond and the Hospitallers made a treaty which was signed on 26 October 1231.
Bohemond confirmed the Hospitallers' right to hold Jabala and a nearby fortress and granted them money fiefs in both Tripoli and Antioch.
The knights renounced the privileges that Raymond-Roupen had granted to them.
Bohemond died in March 1233.

Raymond Roupen 1216 - 1219
Raymond-Roupen (also Raymond-Rupen and Ruben-Raymond; 1198 – 1219 or 1221/1222) was a member of the House of Poitiers who claimed the thrones of the Principality of Antioch and Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. His succession in Antioch was prevented by his paternal uncle Bohemond IV, but his maternal granduncle Leo I of Cilicia recognized him as heir presumptive to Cilicia and pressed his claim to Antioch. In 1211 Raymond-Roupen was crowned junior king of Cilicia, and was finally installed as Prince of Antioch in 1216. The War of the Antiochene Succession ended with Leo's death in 1219, shortly before Raymond-Roupen was ousted from Antioch. He then pursued his claim to Cilicia, which Leo had unexpectedly willed to his daughter Isabella on his deathbed, but was defeated and imprisoned until death.

Bohemond V 1233 - 1252 & Count of Tripoli
Bohemond V of Antioch (1199 − January 17, 1252)[1] was ruler of the Principality of Antioch, a Crusader state, from 1233 to his death. He was simultaneously Count of Tripoli. Bohemond V was the son of Bohemond IV of Antioch and Plaisance of Gibelet. Like his father before him, Bohemond had a notorious dislike for the Knights Hospitaller and the neighbouring Kingdom of Armenia, preferring an alliance with the Knights Templar. Peace with Armenia was assured only shortly before his death, with the mediation of Louis IX of France. In 1225, Bohemond was married to Cypriote queen dowager Alice of Champagne.[2] Their childless marriage ended in annulment after July 5, 1227. His second marriage was in 1235 to Luciana di Segni, a great-niece of Pope Innocent III. Bohemond V died in January 1252. Since his son and successor was only 15 at the time, he succeeded under the regency of the Dowager Princess, Luciana. However, Luciana never left Tripoli, and instead handed over the government of the principality to her Roman relatives. This made her unpopular, so the young Bohemond VI gained the approval of King Louis IX of France, who was on Crusade at the time, to get permission from Pope Innocent IV to come of age a few months early.[1]

Bohemond VI 1252 - 1275 & Count of Tripoli
Bohemond VI (c. 1237–1275), also known as Bohemond the Fair (French: Bohémond le Beau), was the Prince of Antioch and Count of Tripoli from 1251 until his death. He ruled while Antioch was caught between the warring Mongol Empire and Mamluk Sultanate. In 1268 Antioch was captured by the Mamluks, and he was thenceforth a prince in exile. He was succeeded by his son Bohemond VII, nominal prince of Antioch (though Antioch had ceased to exist) and count of Tripoli.

Fall of the Principality
In 1254 Bohemond VI married Sibylla, an Armenian princess, ending the power struggle between the two states, although by this point Armenia was the more powerful of the two and Antioch was essentially a vassal state. Both were swept up by the conflict between the Mameluks and the Mongols. In 1260, under the influence of his father-in-law, the Armenian king Hetoum I, Bohemond VI submitted to the Mongols under Hulagu, making Antioch a tributary state of the Mongol Empire. Bohemond and Hetoum fought on the side of the Mongols during the conquests of Muslim Syria, taking together the city of Aleppo, and later Damascus. When the Mongols were defeated at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260, Baibars, the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, began to threaten Antioch, which (as a vassal of the Armenians) had supported the Mongols. Baibars finally took the city in 1268, and all of northern Syria was quickly lost; twenty-three years later, Acre was taken, and the Crusader states ceased to exist.