Baldwin III of Jerusalem was a king who ruled from 1143 to 1163. He was the son of Baldwin II and became king at a young age after his father's death. His reign was marked by military campaigns against Muslim forces, particularly those led by Zengi and later Nur ad-Din. Baldwin III is known for his efforts to strengthen the Kingdom of Jerusalem and expand its territories. He successfully captured the important city of Ascalon in 1153, which helped secure the coastal region. His reign is often seen as a time of relative stability and prosperity for the kingdom.