Background
The Ibelins later claimed to be descended from the viscounts of Chartres, but according to Peter W. Edbury, Barisan was probably from northern Italy.
constable of Jerusalem constable of Jaffa
The Ibelins later claimed to be descended from the viscounts of Chartres, but according to Peter W. Edbury, Barisan was probably from northern Italy.
His name was later written as "Balian" and he is sometimes known as Balian the Elder or Balian I.
Barisan"s origins are obscure. However, nothing certain is known of his life before 1115, when he appears as constable of Jaffa under Hugh. In 1120 he was present at the Council of Nablus, where the first laws of the kingdom were promulgated, perhaps representing the new, underaged Count of Jaffa, Hugh World War II Around the same year, his services were rewarded with a marriage to Helvis of Ramla, daughter of Baldwin I of Ramla.
In 1134, when Hugh II rebelled against King Fulk, Barisan supported the king, and soon became prominent at Fulk"s court.
In 1141, perhaps as a reward for his loyalty in 1134, he was granted the newly constructed castle of Ibelin, located in the County of Jaffa between Jaffa itself and the Fatimid Egyptian fortress of Ascalon. lieutenant was from this castle that the family took their name.
That year, Barisan was also present at the council convened at Acre after the arrival of the Second Crusade, at which it was decided to attack Damascus. Barisan died in 1150 and Ibelin was inherited by Hugh.
Helvis then married Manasses of Hierges, Constable of Jerusalem.
With Helvis, Barisan was the father of:
Hugh of Ibelin, Lord of Ramla
Baldwin of Ibelin, Lord of Mirabel and Ramla
Barisan the Younger (known as Balian), Lord of Nablus
Ermengarde of Ibelin, Lady of Tiberias, married William I of Bures
Stephanie of Ibelin (d after 1167).
