Baldwin V of Jerusalem contested between Baldwin IV's sister and their younger half-sister Isabella. Their extended family and leading nobles were divided in support for the two heiresses. Raymond III of Tripoli, first cousin of their father Amalric I of Jerusalem, had been "bailli" or regent for Baldwin IV while the latter was a child, but once the king came of age in 1176 his power began to recede. He had a claim to the throne in his own right, but his childlessness hindered him advancing it. Instead, he acted as a power-broker, and aided the interests of the Ibelin family. Amalric's widow (Isabella's
Baldwin I of Jerusalem Baldwin and Tancred led two separate contingents. Tancred was the first to leave Heraclea, accompanied by 100–200 troops; Baldwin and his 300 knights departed around 15September. Tancred persuaded the Seljuq garrison of Tarsus to raise his flag on the citadel on 21September, even before his troops were granted access to the town. Baldwin took advantage of the strength of his troops and compelled Tancred to leave Tarsus on the following day. The Turks replaced Tancred's banner with Baldwin's flag and allowed Baldwin to take possession of two towers. Shortly thereafter, about 300 Norman knights arrived, but Baldwin denied entry to