Baldwin IV was born in 1161, son of King Amalric I of Jerusalem and Agnes of Courtenay. The Crusader Kingdom sat precariously between powerful Muslim states and was riven by rival barons, clergy, and foreign knights. His tutor William of Tyre reports the first sign of trouble in childhood play: Baldwin did not flinch when hurt. Initially seen as curious, William realized the numbness signaled leprosy. Contrary to the usual tale of isolation, Baldwin’s life diverged. When Amalric died in 1174, th

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