The dwindling crusader kingdom of Jerusalem-Acre has been governed by absentee rulers from the time of Frederick II, in theory the Hohenstaufens represented in the East by agents, followed after 1243 by regents of the Jerusalem dynasty chosen by the High Court of barons.

Hugh III of Cyprus, having had succeeded his cousin Hugh II to the throne of Cyprus the previous year, had claimed the Kingdom of Jerusalem as well in 1267 or in 1268 upon the execution of Conradin, the last Hohenstaufen.

However, the throne of Jerusalem is also claimed by Mary of Antioch by proximity of blood to Conradin.

The Haute Cour of Jerusalem rejects her claim and on September 24, 1269, Hugh is crowned King of Jerusalem at Tyre.

The efforts of his rival, Charles I d'Anjou, newly crowned king of Sicily, who also claims his rights to be a king of Jerusalem, and the resistance of his subjects, prevents him from effectively establishing his authority in the Holy Land.