Queens of Jerusalem: The Women Who Dared to Rule

Saladin's armies besieged Jerusalem in 1187, led by an unlikely trio including Queen Sibylla, Queen of Jerusalem. Despite their resistance, they could negotiate terms to save the city's inhabitants. Queen Sibylla was the last of a line of formidable female rulers in the Crusader States of Outremer, who ruled, conducted diplomatic negotiations, made military decisions, forged alliances, rebelled, and undertook architectural projects. Katherine Pangonis' debut book explores the role women played in the governing of the Middle East during periods of instability and how they persevered to rule and seize greater power for themselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In 1187, Saladin's armies laid siege to the revered city of Jerusalem. Having previously decimated Jerusalem's army at the Battle of Hattin, Saladin's forces surrounded the city's high walls, where a last-ditch defense was led by an unlikely trio: Sibylla, Queen of Jerusalem. Despite their valiant efforts, Sibylla and her allies were unable to resist Saladin's relentless advance. However, they held out hope of negotiating terms that would spare the lives of the city's inhabitants.

Queen Sibylla, the last of a remarkable line of female rulers in the Crusader States of Outremer, stands as a testament to the overlooked narratives of women in the Crusades. Often portrayed as mere passive recipients of land and royal lineage, the truth is far more complex. Women, in reality, wielded significant political authority, engaged in diplomatic negotiations, made critical military decisions, forged alliances, rebelled, and even undertook architectural projects.

Sibylla's grandmother, Queen Melisende, was the pioneering queen who assumed genuine political agency in Jerusalem and ruled in her own right. She skillfully outmaneuvered her husband and son to secure sole control over her kingdom, becoming a formidable force in the politics of the medieval Middle East. The lives of Queen Melisende, her Armenian mother, her three sisters, and their daughters and granddaughters are equally captivating and worthy of exploration.

Katherine Pangonis, in her debut book titled "Queens of Jerusalem," delves into the remarkable lives of this trailblazing dynasty of royal women and the crusading Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Pangonis sheds light on the significant role women played in the governance of the Middle East during periods of intense instability. She explores how these women persevered, seized opportunities, and ultimately expanded their power and influence, challenging the traditional narratives of male-dominated societies.

"Queens of Jerusalem" is a groundbreaking work that fills a significant gap in the historical literature on the Crusades. It offers a fresh perspective on the complex and multifaceted roles played by women during this pivotal period of history. By highlighting the stories of Queen Sibylla, Queen Melisende, and Queen Eleanor, as well as their contemporaries, Pangonis provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Middle East and the role of women in shaping its destiny. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, gender studies, and the captivating tales of remarkable women who defied societal expectations and left an indelible mark on the world.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474614092