French Lusignan Royal Family

French Lusignan Royal FamilyThe Lusignans were a dynasty originally from France that played an important role in the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages. From the late 12th century onwards, the Lusignans established kingdoms in Cyprus, Jerusalem and Armenia. The dynasty originates from the town of Lusignan in the Poitou region, from where the family takes its name. Here is the history of the Lusignan Royal Family:

Rise of the House of Lusignan

The House of Lusignan became an important power in the Holy Land during the Crusades. One of the most famous members of the family Guy de LusignanGuy de Lusignan became king of the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1186 and continued to hold this title despite his defeat by Saladin Ayyubi at the Battle of Hıttin in 1187. After his failure in the Holy Land, Guy de Lusignan turned to Cyprus and succeeded in establishing a kingdom there.

House of Lusignan and Kingdom of Cyprus

In 1192, Guy de Lusignan bought the island of Cyprus from King Richard I of England and established the Kingdom of Cyprus here. This kingdom remained under the rule of the Lusignan Dynasty for about three centuries. Lusignans European Gothic architecture in Cyprus style and built many important religious and military buildings on the island. Bellapais MonasterySt. Hilarion Castle and St. Sophia Cathedral are just a few of the architectural works of this period.

The Lusignans spread Latin Christianity in Cyprus and contributed to the increase of Western European influence on the island. The Kingdom of Cyprus became an important trade and military center throughout the Middle Ages due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean.

The End of the House of Lusignan in Cyprus

The House of Lusignan continued to rule the Kingdom of Cyprus until the late 15th century. However, in 1489, the last Lusignan Queen of Cyprus Catherine CornaroCyprus was forced to cede the island to the Republic of Venice. This event led to the end of the Lusignan rule in Cyprus.

Significance of the House of Lusignan

The Lusignan dynasty was a dynasty that made Cyprus an important bridge between Western Europe and the East in the Middle Ages. The Lusignans played a key role in the spread of Christianity and Western culture on the island. They also left important traces in the field of architecture and art. Gothic architecture in CyprusThe House of Lusignan had a great influence on the spread of the Lusignan Empire.

The legacy of the House of Lusignan can still be seen today in many historical buildings and castles in Cyprus. This dynasty is considered an integral part of Cyprus' cultural and historical richness.