Baldwin IV of Jerusalem

✶1161

†March 16, 1185

4 candles burning, 15 lit in all

About their life

Baldwin IV (1161–1185), known as the Leper King, was the king of Jerusalem from 1174 until his death in 1185. Baldwin ascended to the throne when he was thirteen despite having leprosy. He made several attempts to curb the increasing power of the Muslim ruler Saladin, though much of his life was marked by infighting amongst the kingdom's nobles. Throughout his reign, and especially at the end of his brief life, he was troubled by his succession, working to select a suitable heir to the throne and prevent a succession crisis. Choosing competent advisers, Baldwin ruled a thriving crusader state, protecting it from Saladin.

King of Jerusalem (1161-1185) (r. 1174-1185)

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Biography from the article Baldwin IV of Jerusalem on the English Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.