d. 1131 · Count of Edessa (1119–1131)
Joscelin I
Other names · Joscelin I of Edessa
Count of Edessa known for his frontier wars, captured at Harran and by Belek Ghazi.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOSSIER
Life and historical role
Life and political setting
Joscelin belonged to the Courtenay family and established himself in the East within the circle of his cousin Baldwin II. He governed territories centred on Turbessel west of the Euphrates and became count of Edessa in 1119. The scattered geography of his lands required constant negotiation with Armenian communities and neighbouring Muslim rulers.
Role in the Crusades
He was captured with Baldwin II after the defeat at Harran in 1104, although the two men were held by different rulers and their ransoms followed separate courses. Balak captured Joscelin again in 1122. He escaped, while Baldwin remained a prisoner, and continued to act as an energetic commander in raids and frontier warfare.
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