Baldwin I of Jerusalem Baldwin I of Jerusalem Baldwin I, also known as Baldwin of Boulogne (1060s – 2April 1118), was the first count of Edessa from 1098 to 1100, and the second crusader ruler and first king of Jerusalem from 1100 to his death. Being a younger son, he was destined for a church career, but he abandoned it and married a Norman noblewoman, Godehilde of Tosny. He received the County of Verdun in 1096, but he soon joined the crusader army of his brother, Godfrey of Bouillon and became one of the most successful commanders of the First Crusade. Baldwin and the
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