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Melisende

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Melisende of Jerusalem was a queen of great importance in the history of the Crusades and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. She was known for her political and intellectual abilities, as well as her alleged involvement with the heretical cult of Assassins.

Melisende was born in 1105 as the eldest daughter of King Baldwin II and Queen Morphia of Melitene. When Baldwin died in 1131, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Melisende’s husband Fulk V of Anjou. Melisende took the throne jointly with her husband, but quickly showed herself to be an effective and competent leader. She was directly involved in the administration of the kingdom, ruling alone during Fulk’s absence on military campaigns. She also demonstrated great political skill, helping to maintain peace between the feudal lords and the Church.

In addition to her political abilities, Melisende was known for her cultural and intellectual interests. She was a patron of the arts and literature, having sponsored several poets and historians at her court. She was also known for her medical skills and for her sponsorship of the construction of hospitals in Jerusalem.

However, Melisende was also suspected of being involved in occult practices. She was known for her interests in alchemy and for her alleged involvement in the heretical cult of Assassins. The Assassins were a Muslim sect that emerged in the 11th century in the mountains of northern Iran and Iraq.

It is important to note that many of the allegations of Melisende’s involvement in occult activities are based on rumors and prejudices of the time, and there is no concrete evidence that she was involved in heretical or occult activities. However, her alleged connection to the Assassins has fueled speculation and fascination with her life and reign.

The Assassins were led by a figure known as “the old man of the mountain,” who was considered a divinity by the sect’s followers. They believed that fighting against their enemies was a form of worship to God, and that death in combat was the most honorable way to achieve paradise. The Assassins were known for their use of drugs to induce a state of ecstasy and transcendence, which may be why they were called “hashshashin” or “users of hashish.”

The Assassins became a significant threat to the Islamic powers of the time, and their violent activities led to their persecution and suppression by Muslim governments and the Crusaders. However, the sect survived in small communities until the 14th century, when its influence waned and its followers were assimilated into other Islamic currents.

Melisende’s alleged connection to the Assassins adds a fascinating layer to the story of this powerful queen. While it is impossible to know for certain whether she was involved with the heretical sect, her reputation as a strong and intelligent ruler is secure. Her patronage of the arts and medicine, as well as her political acumen, left a lasting legacy in the Kingdom of Jerusalem and beyond.