Constance of Antioch

Constance of Antioch, born in 1127, became the ruling princess of Antioch at the tender age of two following the death of her father, Bohemond II, in battle. Her early reign was marked by political turmoil as her mother, Alice of Jerusalem, initially assumed the regency. However, the noblemen of Antioch replaced Alice with Constance's grandfather, Baldwin II of Jerusalem, who ruled until his death in 1131. This led to a power struggle, with the barons ultimately recognizing Fulk of Anjou as regent for the young princess.

In 1136, Constance married Raymond of Poitiers, who took on the role of ruler while she focused on her family, giving birth to four children. The stability of her reign was shattered in 1149 when Raymond was murdered after a battle. Following this tragedy, her cousin Baldwin III of Jerusalem sought to guide her, urging her to remarry, but Constance was resolute in her independence, rejecting his suggestions, including a proposal from a relative of the Byzantine Emperor.

In 1153, Constance found love again and married Raynald of Châtillon, a knight from France. However, her second husband's capture around 1160-1161 reignited her desire for autonomy. Despite Baldwin III's declaration of her son, Bohemond III, as the rightful prince, Constance took control of Antioch's administration with the support of Emperor Manuel. Her reign came to an end shortly before her death in 1163 when the Antiochene barons chose to dethrone her in favor of her son.