Melisende of Jerusalem was a medieval queen who ruled from 1131 to 1153. She was the daughter of Baldwin II of Jerusalem and became the first female monarch of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Melisende played a significant role in the politics of the Crusader states and was known for her intelligence and strong leadership. During her reign, Melisende faced challenges, including conflicts with her son, Baldwin III, who eventually took control of the kingdom. Despite these struggles, she maintained influence and worked to strengthen Jerusalem's defenses against external threats, contributing to the stability of the region during a tumultuous period in history.