Maria of Antioch-Armenia explained

Maria
Lady of Toron
Spouse:Philip of Montfort, Lord of Tyre
Issue:Jean de Montfort
Humphrey of Montfort
House:House of Poitiers
Father:Raymond-Roupen of Antioch
Mother:Helvis of Lusignan
Birth Date:1215
Death Date:1257

Maria of Antioch-Armenia (1215–1257) was lady of Toron from 1229 to her death. She was the elder daughter of Raymond-Roupen, prince of Antioch, and of Helvis of Lusignan. She derived her title of Lady of Toron and claim to the throne of Armenia from her father.

Maria's paternal grandmother Alice became lady of Toron when emperor Frederick II, at the end of the Sixth Crusade, negotiated the return of lands conquered by Saladin; Maria succeeded her as she was the closest surviving relative.

In 1240 she married Philip of Montfort, Lord of Tyre, previously lord of Castres, and they had the following children:

She was the great-granddaughter of Roupen III, prince of Armenia (Roupen III's daughter was Alice), who had been succeeded by his brother Leo I. Maria thus unsuccessfully claimed rights to the throne of Armenia, something her father and grandmother had previously attempted and failed.

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Hoefer, Nouvelle biographe universelle depuis les temps les plus recules... Volume 36. 1861. p. 262
  2. Esneval, Baron d', 'les seigneurs de Pavilly, barons d'Esneval', vidames de Normandie Revue catholique de Normandie, 1918, vol 27, p.170-184; p. 193-207; p. 270-277; et 1919, vol 28, p.25-30