Baldwin of Edessa was a prominent figure in the history of the Crusades, known for being the first ruler of the County of Edessa, established in 1098. He was a nobleman from the House of Boulogne and played a crucial role in the early Christian conquests in the Levant. His leadership helped solidify the presence of the Crusaders in the region. Baldwin became the Count of Edessa after successfully capturing the city from the Seljuk Turks. His reign lasted until his death in 1131, during which he faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with neighboring Muslim states and internal disputes among the Crusader states. His legacy is significant in the context of the Crusader States.