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Pons of Tripoli

Pons of Tripoli (c. 1098-1137 was the son of Bertrand of Tripoli, and was count of Tripoli from 1112 to 1137.

During the First Crusade the Normans had quarrelled with the Provencals, but Pons healed this rift by marrying Cecile of France, the widow of Tancred of Hauteville and the daughter of Philip I of France.

In 1118 he allied with Baldwin II, the new king of Jerusalem, and in 1119 the two marched north to aid Roger of Salerno against an invasion by Ilghazi. Roger decided not to wait for them, and he and his army was slaughtered at the Battle of Ager Sanguinis; Baldwin II was later taken hostage.

In 1124, after Baldwin had been released, Pons helped capture Tyre, one of the last coastal cities remaining in Muslim hands. In 1125 he aided in the Crusader victory at the Battle of Azaz. In 1131 Pons came into conflict with Fulk of Jerusalem, who had ascended to the throne that year, and was defeated at the Battle of Rugia.

In 1137 Tripoli was invaded by the sultan of Damascus, and Pons was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son Raymond II.

Preceded by:
Bertrand
County of Tripoli Followed by:
Raymond II