Godfrey of Ibelin
Real name is Barisan of Ibelin, but was later written as "Balian" and is sometimes known as Balian the elder or Balian I.
Founder of Ibelin family
Barisan's origins are obscure, but the Ibelins later claimed to be descended from the viscounts of Chartres.
Was from northern Italy.
Was a cousin to the Montlh`ery family of King Baldwin II of Jeruslaem.
In 1120 Barisan was present at the Council of Nablus, where the first laws of the kingdom were declared.
Around 1122, he was rewarded with a Marriage to Helvis of Ramla, daughter of Baldwin I of Ramla
As a reward for his loyalty to King Fulk, in 1141 Barisan was granted the newly constructed castle of Ibelin. It was from this castle that the family took their name
In 1148 Barisan inherited the nearby lordship of Ramla, through his wife Helvis.
In 1148 Barisan also was present at Council Convened at Acre, after the arrival of the second crusade, which he decided to attack Damascus.
Barisan had five children with Helvis:
- Hugh of Ibelin, Lord of Ramla
- Baldwin of Ibelin, Lord of Mirabel and Ramla
- Barisan the younger( know as Balian), Lord of Nablus
- Ermengarde of Ibelin, Lady of Tiberias
- Stephanie of Ibelin
Balian was a legitiment son from Barsian's marriage to Helvis.
Barisan died in 1150, and Ibelin was inherited by Hugh.
Sources:
www.wikipedia.com
www.opentopia.com
www.imdb.com