Foundation of the Latin Kingdom of Cyprus

Background

After conquering Cyprus, Richard sold the island to the Knights Templar. But the Templars' harsh taxation led to a popular uprising in Nicosia in April 1192, and the order wanted to give the island back to Richard. In the same period Guy of Lusignan had lost the election for the throne of Jerusalem to Conrad of Montferrat.

The founding

In May 1192 Richard transferred the island to Guy, who took over the price the Templars had paid. Guy created a Frankish aristocracy by distributing fiefs on the island to Latin knights and settlers who had lost their lands in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

When Guy died in 1194 his brother Aimery succeeded him. Against possible Byzantine intervention, Aimery recognised the suzerainty of Emperor Henry VI and in 1197 was crowned king by the imperial chancellor. That same year Aimery married Queen Isabella of Jerusalem and ruled both kingdoms.

Outcome and significance

With its fertile farmland and harbours, Cyprus became the rear base of the Latin presence in the Levant. Later crusades, especially Louis IX's expedition of 1248, gathered in Cyprus. A Latin church was established on the island and the Orthodox hierarchy was subordinated to Latin bishops, creating tension with the native Greek population.

After the fall of Acre in 1291, Cyprus became the main centre where the title of king of Jerusalem was carried and the Latin East lived on.

Sources and debates

The account attributed to Ernoul and its continuations, Roger of Howden, and Greek Cypriot writers such as Neophytos report the island's passage to Latin rule from different angles. The kingdom's founding date is variously given as 1192, when the island passed to Guy, or 1197, when Aimery took the royal title.