Galilee, Principality of
Years: 1099 - 1187
The Principality of Galilee is one of the four major seigneuries of the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, according to 13th-century commentator John of Ibelin.
The direct holdings of the principality are around Tiberias, in Galilee proper, but with all its vassals, the lordship covers all Galilee and southern Phoenicia (today Lebanon).
The lordship of Galilee has a disproportionate number of sub-vassals.
The independent Sidon is located between Galilee's holdings.
There are reasons to doubt Galilee's position as overlord of some of those.The principality is established, at least in name, in 1099 when Tancred is given Tiberias, Haifa, and Bethsan by Godfrey of Bouillon.
In 1101 Baldwin I limits Tancred's power by giving Haifa to Galdemar Carpenel, and Tancred is forced to give up the principality and become regent in Antioch.
The principality becomes the fief of the families of St. Omer, Montfaucon (Falcomberques), and then Bures, and its main seat is in Tiberias; thus it is sometimes also called the Principality of Tiberias or the Tiberiad.
The Principality is destroyed by Saladin in 1187, although the title is afterwards used as dignity by relatives and younger sons of the kings of Cyprus (the titular kings of Jerusalem).
