Joscelin II, Count of Edessa

Joscelin II, born in the year one thousand one hundred thirteen, was the fourth and final ruling count of Edessa. He was the son of Joscelin I and Beatrice, the daughter of Constantine I of Armenia. Following the death of his father, who succumbed to wounds from battle, Joscelin ascended to power, navigating the complex political landscape of the Crusader states.

Initially, Joscelin supported Alice in her bid for regency over her daughter, Constance of Antioch, positioning himself against Fulk, the King of Jerusalem. However, after his allies faced defeat at Chastel Rouge, relations were restored, and in one thousand one hundred thirty-six, Raymond of Poitiers claimed the title of prince of Antioch.

In one thousand one hundred thirty-seven, Byzantine Emperor John II Komnenos began to assert influence over the northern Crusader states, demanding fealty from Joscelin, Raymond of Poitiers, and Raymond II, Count of Tripoli. Despite this pressure, Joscelin and Raymond of Poitiers resisted cooperation during John's campaign against Shaizar in one thousand one hundred thirty-eight, which ultimately failed. Tensions continued as Joscelin sought to undermine Raymond, who eventually established overlordship over him in one thousand one hundred forty.

Following John's return in one thousand one hundred forty-two, he threatened to invade the Principality of Antioch, but his death the following year shifted the power dynamics once again. The conflict with Imad al-Din Zengi reignited between one thousand one hundred forty-three and one thousand one hundred forty-four, culminating in Zengi's invasion of the County of Edessa. Zengi captured Edessa and Saruj, leaving Joscelin with a diminished territory west of the Euphrates.

After Zengi's death in one thousand one hundred forty-six, Joscelin attempted to reclaim Edessa, successfully seizing the city but failing to capture the citadel. His forces were ultimately destroyed by Nur ad-Din, Zengi's son, who captured Joscelin in one thousand one hundred fifty. Joscelin II spent the remainder of his life imprisoned, passing away in one thousand one hundred fifty-nine.