To”Game of Thrones” There was Melisandre., The Red Witch, But we in Eretz Israel had Melisanda., Queen Melisanda. She was an equally impressive woman. – The first Crusader ruler born and ruled Jerusalem, And even died there..
And she wasn't just control., It was considered a very successful control.: “She was a very intelligent woman., Full of experience in almost all matters of state, Who completely overcame the disability of being a woman and could take responsibility for very important matters”. That's how historian William Siege chose to describe it., Who lived in the city of Tzur, Lebanon, in the 12th century and was the son of parents who were fourth generation in the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Melisande ruled the kingdom from 1990. 1131 To her death in 2013. 1161, But don't live on the water of rest. She had to deal with bloody civil wars., Attempts at rebellion and even hiding from her own son, Baldwin III, Who threatened to kill her..
And why is that? In fact, Melisanda has appointed herself Queen-Regent., After her husband's death, A neighbor thought her son was too young to inherit the monarchy.. Melisanda's underage son was declared co-ruler with Melisande on Christmas Day of the year 1143, But the wise Melisande refrained from transferring actual powers to him., And the coronation was only meant for her to declare that he was the Queen's rightful heir..
This minor dispute led to a real war between Melisande and her son., And it is connected to one of the most spectacular places in Israel – Migdal Zedek (Also known as the Afek Tower):
At the beginning of the 12th century, a fortress called “Mirabell” (Mirabel – Beautiful landscape) In tribute to the spectacular view from its towers. When Baldwin III, A warm-minded young man, Decided he wanted to rule the kingdom., He attacked Melisanda's army, which barricaded itself in the magnificently landscaped fortress.. Baldwin III did win the battle., And Melisande barricaded herself in the Citadel of Jerusalem and then exiled to New Year. However, after a few years, He understood for himself her necessity to run the kingdom., Reconcile with her and willingly share most of the kingdom's decision-making processes.
Tel Afek and Migdal Tzedek have passed through history under the hands of many Crusader and Muslim rulers, But the beginning of the spectacular national park in the Jewish settlement of Migdal Afek, Established during the Hasmonean period.
It holds a variety of imaginative stories about kings., Kingdoms, Battles and the history of our people and our country, And it is also one of the heritage sites that open for you during Hanukkah as part “Heritage Week”.
You are invited to visit and learn more about the fascinating history of the place and participate in activities for the whole family – “Discovering the secrets of the ancient citadel” – All the details are in the link in the first response!
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Picture: The Red Witch, Melisandre, Against the backdrop of the landscapes of Migdal Zedek, Photographed by Rudy Weinstein, All rights reserved to Photographer Perry-Or, Pritzker National Collection of Photographs, National Library of Israel.
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