Richard subsequently sold the island to the Knights Templar whose rule abruptly ended after a major revolt in Nicosia.

A struggle over who should act as the kingdom's regent ensued, pitting the House of Ibelin with the local supporters of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor.

One such coup took place during the reign of Henry II of Jerusalem who was deposed by Amalric, Lord of Tyre and exiled to the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

Balian's property at Akaki was confiscated, and a castle was erected in order to strengthen the king's authority in the area.

Akaki remained a royal demesne and was described as a court, where Peter I of Cyprus spent several days hunting in January 1369.