ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Lordship of Transjordan and the Oltregiordano Region in Cyprus

The region east of the Jordan River, known as Edom and Moab in ancient times, was referred to by various names during the Crusades. One such name was Oltregiordano, which included the territory that would later become part of the Emirate of Transjordan and the modern state of Jordan.

Geographically, the West Bank stretched south towards the Gulf of Aqaba, while the Negev desert lay to its west. To the north and east, there were no clear boundaries; instead, the Dead Sea marked the northern limit, and the streets of caravans and pilgrims led towards Islamic Hijaz in the east.

The control of this region was disputed between the Sultan of Damascus and the Crusaders, with few encounters taking place to fight or resolve disputes. The inhabitants of Oltregiordano were primarily composed of Shiite Bedouin nomads, who were largely left to their own devices by the crusaders despite taxes being imposed on caravans passing through.

In 1115, many Orthodox Christians living in the West Bank were transplanted to Jerusalem to repopulate the old Jewish quarter, which had been abandoned due to massacres and expulsions. The Crusaders distrusted the few Christian inhabitants of the region, viewing them as nomads or semi-nomads.

The land was suitable for agriculture, with wheat, pomegranates, and olives being cultivated. Notably, the salt collected in the Dead Sea could be harvested. During this period, Transjordan emerged as one of the principal lordships of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Transjordan extended southward through the Negev to the Gulf of Aqaba, with its northern boundary marked by the Dead Sea and eastern boundaries defined by caravan routes leading towards Islamic Hijaz. The region was controlled by various lords throughout history, including Baldwin, who invaded in 1107 and 1112, and built Montreal in 1115.

In the 12th century, Transjordan may have been treated as a principality rather than a lordship. However, it remained under royal control until at least 1126, when Pagan the Butler was created lord. A revolt occurred around 1134 against King Fulk, with Hugh II of Jaffa and Roman of Le Puy involved in the conflict.

The lordship of Trans