Maria of Montferrat

Maria of Montferrat, known as la Marquise, was born on April fifth, one thousand one hundred ninety-two, as the eldest daughter of Queen Isabella I. Her birth came posthumously to her mother’s second husband, Marquis Conrad of Montferrat. Following the death of her mother, Maria ascended to the throne of Jerusalem in the year one thousand two hundred five, albeit as a minor under the regency of her half-uncle, John of Ibelin.

Upon her accession, the search for a suitable husband to rule in her name commenced immediately. An initial attempt to arrange a marriage with King Peter II of Aragon did not come to fruition. However, in the year one thousand two hundred ten, Maria married John of Brienne, who had been chosen for her. The couple was crowned together, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her reign.

With John of Brienne taking over the governance from John of Ibelin, Maria consented to his actions as king, solidifying their partnership. Tragically, her life was cut short shortly after giving birth to her only child, Isabella II. Following Maria's death in the year one thousand two hundred twelve, Isabella II succeeded her mother as queen, under the guardianship of King John.