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 his homeland. The crusaders stopped at the frontier of Hungary in September. Godfrey left Baldwin in charge of his troops during his conference with Coloman, King of Hungary, regarding the conditions of the crusaders' march across the country. He agreed to hand over Baldwin, along with Baldwin's wife and retainers, as hostages to ensure their troops' good conduct. Baldwin and Godehilde were released soon after the crusaders left Hungary, and entered the Byzantine Empire in late November. The crusaders reached Constantinople on 23December 1096. The Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos demanded an oath of allegiance from their leaders and imposed