Thoros of Edessa

[3] Around 1094, the Seljuk emir of Damascus, Tutush I, captured Edessa and established Thoros as governor.

Thoros then fortified Edessa and cut off the citadel, garrisoned by Turkish and Armenian troops.

The Turks and Ortoqids[clarification needed] besieged the city for two months, but were unable to capture it even after breaking through the walls.

Baldwin of Boulogne had come to Edessa rather than participate in the siege, probably looking to carve out some territory for himself, and had captured Turbessel.

Thoros agreed to let him have the city and made plans to flee with his family to Melitene, but shortly afterwards, on March 9, Thoros was assassinated by the Armenian inhabitants of the city, possibly at Baldwin's command, and Baldwin became the first count of Edessa.

Baldwin of Boulogne entering Edessa in February 1098. He is shown being welcomed by the Armenian clergy, who welcomed the end of tutelage to Constantinople. [ 1 ]
Edessa.