Amalric, King of Jerusalem

Amalric, born in the year one thousand one hundred thirty-six, ascended to the throne of Jerusalem in one thousand one hundred sixty-three, following the death of his elder brother, Baldwin III. As the younger son of King Fulk and Queen Melisende, Amalric was initially made count of Jaffa, where he aligned himself with his mother during her conflict with Baldwin. Their relationship eventually reconciled, leading to Amalric's dual countship of Jaffa and Ascalon in one thousand one hundred fifty-four.

His reign was characterized by relentless military campaigns against the Muslim atabeg Nur al-Din Zengi, as well as attempts to dominate Egypt. Amalric's first invasion successfully extracted tribute from the vizier Dirgham, while subsequent efforts saw him supporting rival factions in Egypt. Despite his military endeavors, the kingdom faced significant threats, particularly from Nur al-Din, who exploited Amalric's focus on Egypt to attack the northern crusader states.

In one thousand one hundred sixty-seven, Amalric captured Alexandria and sought to conquer Egypt, but his plans were thwarted by the general Shirkuh. Following Shirkuh's death, Amalric attempted a joint invasion with the Byzantine emperor Manuel I Komnenos, but their forces failed to cooperate effectively. The emergence of Saladin as a formidable adversary further complicated Amalric's reign, especially as his son Baldwin began to show signs of leprosy.

Amalric's personal life was marked by his marriage to Agnes of Courtenay, with whom he had two children, Sibylla and Baldwin. After his marriage, he was crowned king, leaving Agnes behind to secure his position. His later years were spent seeking a suitable match for Sibylla, but her suitor ultimately declined. Amalric's life came to an end on the eleventh of July in one thousand one hundred seventy-four, as he succumbed to dysentery amidst the chaos following Nur al-Din's death. He was succeeded by his son, Baldwin IV.