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Isabella of Armenia

There have been several women known as Isabella (or Zabel) of Armenia.


Queen Isabella of Armenia (died c.1252) ruled Armenia from 1219 to 1252. She was the daughter of Leo II of Armenia and Sybilla of Lusignan (daughter of Aimery of Cyprus). Leo named Isabella as his heir, despite the existence of his grandson (son of his eldest daughter Rita) and Raymond-Rupen (grandson of Rupen III of Armenia).

She was married twice. Her first husband was Philip, son of Bohemond IV of Antioch, who she married in 1223. Philip was murdered in 1225.

Her second husband was Hethum (or Hetoum) I, to whom she was married against her will on June 14, 1226. Hethum was co-ruler (or ruler) of Armenia from 1226 to 1270. The couple had six children:

  1. Leo III (died 1289)
  2. Thoros (died 1266),
  3. Sibylle (died 1290), who married Bohemund VI of Antioch
  4. Euphemie (died 1309), who married to Julien Grenier, Lord of Sidon
  5. Rita
  6. Maria, who married Guy d'Ibelin


Princess Isabella of Armenia (died c.1321) was the daughter of Leo III of Armenia.

She was married to Amalric de Lusignan, by whom she had six children:

  1. Hugues de Lusignan
  2. Henri de Lusignan (died c.1321)
  3. Guy de Lusignan (died 1344)
  4. John de Lusignan (died 1343), father of Leo VI of Armenia
  5. Bohémond de Lusignan (died 1344)
  6. Marie de Lusignan, who married her cousin Leo IV of Armenia

At some time between 1320 and 1323, Isabella, along with her son Henri, was imprisoned and murdered by Oshin of Corycos. Oshin, who was acting as regent for Leo V of Armenia, wanted to reduce the number of claimants to the throne of Armenia.

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