Research topic: John of Brienne

John of Brienne , c.1170-1237, French crusader. He was a count and in 1210 married Mary, titular queen of Jerusalem. Mary died in 1212, and their daughter, Yolande (1212-28), succeeded to the title under John's regency. John played a conspicuous part in the Fifth Crusade (see Crusades ), capturing Damietta in 1219, and in 1222 he went to Europe in search of support. He arranged the marriage (1225) between Yolande and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II , who promptly claimed the crown of Jerusalem. John, claiming the title for himself, joined with a papal army in invading (1229) Frederick's... Read more