John I of Cyprus

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John I
King of Cyprus and Jerusalem
Reign1284–1285
Predecessor Hugh III
Successor Henry II
Bornc. 1268
Died20 May 1285
House Poitiers-Lusignan
Father Hugh III of Cyprus
Mother Isabella of Ibelin

John I (French : Jean; c. 1268 - 20 May 1285) was King of Cyprus and, in contention with Charles I of Anjou, of Jerusalem from 1284 to 1285.

John was the eldest surviving son of Hugh III, king of Cyprus and Jerusalem, and Isabella of Ibelin. [1] Hugh died on 3 March 1284 and John was crowned the next king of Cyprus in Nicosia on 11 May. He was then aged about 17, and was handsome and delicate. [2] The historian Steven Runciman says that John immediately sailed to Tyre, where he was crowned king of Jerusalem. [3] According to the historian Hans E. Mayer, there is no basis in sources that this coronation ever took place. [4] On the mainland, John was recognized as king only in Tyre and Beirut, which were ruled by his aunt Margaret and brother Guy, respectively. Acre, political centre of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, recognized Charles of Anjou. [5] John died on 20 May 1285, almost exactly a year after his coronation, leaving the crown to his younger brother Henry II. [3] [6]

References

  1. Edbury 1994, p. 37, 96.
  2. Runciman 1989, p. 394.
  3. 1 2 Runciman 1989, p. 395.
  4. Mayer 1967, p. 211.
  5. Runciman 1989, p. 394-395.
  6. Edbury 1994, p. 96.

Sources

Regnal titles
Preceded by King of Cyprus
1284–1285
Succeeded by
 DISPUTED 
King of Jerusalem
1284–1285
Disputed by Charles I of Anjou