Politicial marriages in the Outremer

As a response to the seizure of Jerusalem by Muslims, Crusades were organized by Pope Urban in 1099. It is obvious that the primary reason of Crusades wasn't the seizure of Jerusalem by Muslims. Europe wanted to carry away internal political, social and cultural and more importantly, political revenges of that time onto another ground. Because of this reason, church desire to lead large masses for great military campaigns as a proof of its soverign power. This desire was sprouted in the Pope Urban's personality. With the call of Pope Urban and Emperor Alexius' appeal for help from the nation, Crusaders headed to Jerusalem for its emancipation. Latin Empire of the West was founded as a result of Muslims' internal affairs and decayedness and it was in constant need of Western aid. Therefore there was a vital need for a good leader to rule the Latin Empire of the West. However, there have been such periods, that when in Jerusalem and Antakya no heirs to continue the dynasty have left. Due to the fact that the dynasty could not have a male child, illness and especially the leprosy, Outremer's occasionally had a 'king' crisis. In such important situation, the presence of royal women-girls was very important. To secure continuity of dynasty and to avoid absence of administrative vacuum, it was aimed to bring a new leader to the kingdom through charging women with a marital obligation as an instrumental element. The use of woman as a political had started with Melisende and continued as common practice up to the end of XII century. In case of absence of male candidate, from the early ages of royal women, it has always been considered necessary to find a spouse with characteristics suitable for future king. Because the political ground of Outremer, increasing external threats the development of the notion 'woman leader' was impossible. For this reason, the only expected behavior from the heir for the continuation of the dynasty was marriage. Moreover, sometimes these royal women have been forced to divorce, marry to different person one after another for political purposes. Despite of being a key figure, some of Outremer's royal women, on the way to the throne they weren't able go further than being instrumental element. The conditions of that period enabled royal women to make a contribution to the kingdom through marriage. The six women of whom we talk about in our study, through marriage relations were able to bring a new impetus to the kingdom during the periods when it was on the way of destruction. Although the royal women lived after Sibylle didn't undertook any political task, candidates selected as spouse to them have served for many years in defending Latin Empire of the West.