Hugh II of Jaffa

Hugh II of Puiset, a Norman nobleman, played a significant role in the early history of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. He arrived in the Holy Land during the Second Crusade (1147–1148) and married Maria Comnene, the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, sister-in-law of Queen Melisende, and aunt of King Baldwin III.

Hugh initially supported the kingdom as a vassal but later became a rival to King Fulk. After Baldwin's death in 1152, Melisende ruled as regent for her son, but Fulk sought greater influence. Tensions escalated when Fulk attempted to seize control of the Ibelin district and the town of Ramla from their overlords, who were loyal to Melisende.

In response, the barons, including Hugh, formed an alliance with the Egyptian sultan Saladin, who led a successful campaign against Fulk in 1153. This alliance weakened Fulk's position, and he was forced to cede control of Ramla to its traditional rulers and Ibelin to the Ibelin family.

Fulk's defeat marked a turning point in his relationship with Melisende and the barons. From that point onward, Fulk became increasingly dependent on Melisende for governance, as her influence grew within the kingdom.

After Baldwin III assumed the throne in 1156, he inherited a realm deeply divided between his mother Melisende and his father Fulk. This tension ultimately shaped the political landscape of the Latin Kingdom during his reign.