Bohemond III's father, Raymond of Poitiers, had been killed at the Battle of Inab in 1149, and his mother has ruled as regent until Bohemond is old enough to rule on his own.

Constance, however, had married a second time, to Raynald of Châtillon, who had ruled as Prince of Antioch until being taken captive in 1160 and imprisoned in Aleppo (where he will remain until 1176).

Bohemond was by this time of legal age to succeed, but Constance had refused; King Baldwin III of Jerusalem had intervened and declared Bohemond ruler of the principality.

In 1163, Constance asks the newly appointed imperial governor of Cilicia, Constantine Kalamanos, for aid in order to maintain her rule; the citizens of Antioch then riot and exile her.

She dies later this year, allowing Bohemond to take full control.