Henry's Problems

While Henry II of Champagne was functioning as King of Jerusalem (even if he did not use the title itself, preferring manage things clearly on behalf of his wife, Queen Isabella), he had a lot of support from the barons and military orders like the Templars and Hospitallers. He was also good to supporters outside of those who followed him from the Champagne region.

Some problems cropped up, however. We've talked before about rivalry between the Maritime Republics, and the merchants of Pisa were not happy with the favor Henry showed to merchants from Genoa. The Pisans conspired to help Guy of Lusignan (who had been "exiled" to Cyprus) to become ruler of the city of Tyre (Henry was living in Acre).

The conspiracy was discovered in May 1193 and the conspirators arrested. Henry decreed that the Pisans in Tyre could number no more than 30, and the rest had to leave. Those who left began raiding villages in the area, so Henry expelled all Pisa's from Acre.

Guy was in Cyprus, but his brothers were close by. Aimery of Lusignan held Jaffa and had been granted the office of constable, and he spoke up for the Pisans. Angered, and doubting Aimery's loyalty, he arrested the constable. Aimery argued that he had no right to arrest a constable, but Henry replied that Aimery was no longer constable.

Henry demanded that Guy turn over Cyprus as ransom for Aimery's release. The barons persuaded Henry to free Aimery, who gave up Jaffa and the position of constable and left to join Guy at Cyprus.

Cyprus was a lot of territory, and ruling it would have been a boon for the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Guy's governorship ended in 1194 with his death, and Aimery became governor. Henry and Aimery were going to have to deal with this situation.

Tomorrow we'll learn more about Aimery and his history.