Relations With Byzantines And Franks In 1144 To 1180

Question 1

Good Relations (before 1180): What was Baldwin III’s alliance with Byzantium?

Answer 1

Baldwin III sent an embassy to Constantinople in 1157 to request a Byzantine bride, married Theodora Komnene in 1158, and received support from Manuel in managing Antioch in 1159.

Question 2

Good Relations: What actions did Amalric take regarding Byzantium?

Answer 2

Amalric reaffirmed loyalty to Manuel in 1163, married Maria Komnene in 1167, and visited Constantinople in 1171 to acknowledge Manuel’s role as protector of the Holy Places.

Question 3

Good Relations: What was the Frankish-Byzantine alliance against Egypt?

Answer 3

In 1168, Manuel initiated discussions with Amalric for joint action in Egypt, leading to a siege of Damietta in 1169 with 300 Byzantine ships, which ultimately failed due to poor planning.

Question 4

Bad Relations: What were the relations before the Second Crusade?

Answer 4

In 1144, Raymond of Antioch demanded Cilician towns from Byzantium, which Manuel rejected, leading to Frankish resentment after the collapse of Edessa in 1147.

Question 5

Bad Relations: What happened during the Second Crusade?

Answer 5

Crusaders accused Byzantium of betrayal in 1147, claimed Byzantine guides misled them in 1148, and were frustrated by Manuel’s reduced military support in 1149.

Question 6

Bad Relations: What was the situation in Antioch under Raynald of Chatillon?

Answer 6

Raynald’s leadership angered Manuel and Baldwin III after his marriage to Constance in 1153, and he plundered Byzantine Cyprus in 1156, leading to Manuel invading Antioch in 1158.

Question 7

Bad Relations: What was the outcome of the Battle of Myriokephalon?

Answer 7

In 1176, Manuel’s poorly disciplined army was ambushed and defeated by Kilij Arslan II, ending Byzantine ambitions in Anatolia.