The Leper King: How a Dying Boy Held Jerusalem

A young king, afflicted by leprosy, must hold his fragile Kingdom of Jerusalem together. His body is failing, but his will to rule remains. The Leper King: How a Dying Boy Held Jerusalem This episode explores the early life of Baldwin IV, the Leper King of Jerusalem, from his birth to his coronation. It delves into the political landscape of the 12th-century Holy Land and the personal challenges that shaped a monarch who defied expectations. Person: Baldwin IV Date: 1161 (approximate birth) Location: Kingdom of Jerusalem Event: Coronation of Baldwin IV Period: 12th Century - Baldwin IV was born around 1161, likely near Ascalon, into a garrison kingdom constantly outnumbered by Muslim powers. - His parents' marriage was annulled for consanguinity, but Baldwin was declared legitimate, retaining his place in the succession. - At age nine, his tutor William of Tyre noticed Baldwin felt no pain in his right arm during a game. - An Arab physician, Abu Sulayman Dawud, examined Baldwin, but a formal leprosy diagnosis was deliberately delayed to keep him in the succession. - A relative of the physician taught Baldwin to ride using only his knees, as his hands were already losing feeling. To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com. © 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved. This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: [email protected].