Baldwin II, 1217–73, last Latin emperor of Constantinople (1228–61), brother and successor of Robert of Courtenay. He began his personal rule only after the death (1237) of his father-in-law, John of Brienne. Baldwin traveled in Western Europe seeking financial and military aid for his precarious throne (see Constantinople, Latin Empire of). To obtain funds he sold a large part of the True Cross and other sacred relics to Louis IX of France and at one time pawned his son to the Venetians. In 1261, Michael VIII, Greek emperor of Nicaea, stormed Constantinople. Baldwin escaped to Italy and ultimately transferred his claims on the throne to Charles I of Naples.

Baldwin II (Baldwin of Le Bourg), d. 1131, Latin king of Jerusalem (1118–31), count of Edessa (1100–1131); cousin and successor of Baldwin I. He accompanied Godfrey of Bouillon on the First Crusade and was captured (1104) by the Muslims. He was released in 1108. As king of Jerusalem, he spent most of his reign warring with the Turks in N Syria. He was a prisoner from 1123 to 1124; Eustace Garnier, his regent during his captivity, captured Tyre. In Baldwin's reign the Latin principality of Antioch was reduced to dependence on the kingdom of Jerusalem. Baldwin's daughter Melisende married (1129) Fulk of Anjou, who succeeded Baldwin.