ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Guy d'Ibelin, Constable of Cyprus

Guy d'Ibelin was a Marshal and constable of the Kingdom of Cyprus from the Ibelin family. He was born around 1215-1218 to Jean d'Ibelin, lord of Beirut, and Mélisente d'Arsur. Guy's close relationship with King Henry I of Cyprus is evident in two royal decrees where he acted as witness.

Guy married Philippa, daughter of Aimery Berlais, and had several children, including Baudouin of Ibelin, baili of the kingdom of Jerusalem, then connetable of the kingdom of Cyprus. His brother Baldwin also played a significant role in the Crusaders from Cyprus during the siege of Damietta in 1249.

Guy's father, John of Ibelin, was a powerful baron from the Kingdom of Jerusalem and regent of Cyprus since 1227. However, he was deposed by Roman-German Emperor Frederick II in 1228. Guido fought on June 15, 1232, in the victorious battle of Agridi against Richard Filangieri's troops, preventing an invasion of Cyprus.

In 1249, Guy led the Cypriot knighthood from France to Egypt during the Sixth Crusade alongside his brother Balduin. However, both fell into captivity by the Mamluks in April 1250. The Mamluks released them a few days later for a ransom after murdering Sultan Turan Shah.

After Guido's return to Cyprus, he was appointed constable by King Henry I in 1250. He married Felix, daughter of Amalarico Barlais, and had several children, including Balduin, who became connétable of Cyprus, Bailli of Jerusalem; John, murdered in 1277; Aimerich; Balian, Seneschall of Cyprus from 1286 to 1301; Philip, Seneschall of Cyprus from 1301 to 1318; Isabella, King Hugo III of Cyprus; and Alix.

Guido's descendants continued to play significant roles in the kingdom. His son Balduin became connétable of Cyprus, while his daughter Isabella married King Hugo III of Cyprus.