Crusader States, Antioch, Bohemond III (1163-1188 AD), Denier

ANTIOCH, once a great Hellenistic and Roman city, became a key stronghold during the Crusades. Captured in 1098 AD during the First Crusade after a long siege, it was turned into the Principality of Antioch, one of the four main Crusader States. The city became a strategic frontier between Latin Christian powers and surrounding Muslim dynasties, marked by both cultural exchange and constant conflict until it finally fell to the Mamluks in 1268 AD.

Bohemond III of Antioch was captured during the battle of Harim in 1164, but was released by Nur ad-Din for a ransom of 150.000 dinars.

During the Third Crusade Bohemond met with Guy of Lusignan and King Richard 'Lionheart' of England, but he did not provide military support to the Crusades and later signed a ten-year truce with Saladin.

He married four times, but in 1180 he was excommunicated for repudiating his second wife Theodora to marry Sibylla who was described as a witch.

Bohemond III ruled for almost 40 years and was one of the longest serving princes of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.