Balian of Ibelin

Balian of Ibelin (c. 1143–1193), youngest son of Barisan of Ibelin, received the castle of Ibelin from his brother Baldwin around 1170. After their elder brother Hugh died, Baldwin inherited Ibelin but chose to remain lord of Ramla and gave the castle to Balian.

In 1177 Balian married Maria Komnene, widow of King Amalric I, becoming a leading baron under his stepson Baldwin IV. He escaped the Frankish rout at Hattin in July 1187 and, when Saladin besieged Jerusalem, led the city's outnumbered defenders before surrendering it on 2 October 1187. He served through the Third Crusade and died in 1193, leaving sons John of Beirut and Philip of Ibelin.