Philip of Antioch (Armenian:Ֆիլիպ,French:Philippe; died 1225), also calledPhilip of Tripoli, wasking of theArmenian Kingdom of Cilicia from 1222 to 1225 as the firsthusband and co-ruler ofQueen Isabella.[1] He was a member of theHouse of Poitiers.
A member of theHouse of Poitiers, Philip was one of the younger sons ofBohemond IV, aNorman who ruled thePrincipality of Antioch and theCounty of Tripoli, and his first wife,Plaisance of Gibelet from theEmbriaco family.[1][2]
Raymond-Roupen, Philip's first cousin who had waged theWar of the Antiochene Succession with Philip's father for many years, also claimed the throne of Cilicia as the former heir designate of King Leo I. Upon his defeat and imprisonment byConstantine of Baberon,regent on behalf of Leo's daughter Isabella, the Armenians wanted to renew their alliance with Antioch. They requested that Bohemond IV send a husband to their young queen, and Bohemond offered Philip.[3] Since Philip was Bohemond's fourth son, who could not be expected to inherit Antioch, the Armenians accepted. They made the union conditional upon Philip joining theArmenian Apostolic Church, to which Bohemond agreed.[4]
Philip's marriage to Isabella was celebrated in June 1222. Before his coronation as king, Philip swore to uphold the rites of theArmenian Apostolic Church and Armenian customs.[5]
Philip's victory over the attackingSeljuk Turks made a good initial impression upon his subjects.[3] Their hopes that Philip would become a good Armenian, however, were frustrated, as he had "incorrigibly Latin tastes".[4] Philip spent as much time as he could in Antioch,[4] showed favoritism towards his French advisors,[1] and refused to adhere to Armenian Apostolic rites.[2] This instigated a revolt by the Armenians.[1] In late 1224, Philip was arrested during a night journey to Antioch.[4] He was accused of stealing thecrown jewels of Cilicia and sending them to Antioch.[2] He spent months imprisoned in the fortress ofPartzerpert nearSis, the Cilician capital,[2][4] while his father appealed to Constantine.[2] The negotiations were in vain, and Philip waspoisoned in prison in 1225.[4] Bohemond planned to avenge his son's death, but was prevented when his allies, theAyyubids, switched to the side of the Armenians.[3]
Philip of Antioch Born: 1198 Died: 1225 | ||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded byas sole monarch | King of Armenian Cilicia 1222–1225 withIsabella | Succeeded byas sole monarch |