Conrad of Montferrat, an Italian nobleman, and Isabella I of Jerusalem, the daughter of Amalric I of Jerusalem, solidified their political union through marriage, which had profound implications for the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The marriage was celebrated in Tyre, a prominent city along the Mediterranean coast that had become a refuge for those loyal to the Crusader kingdoms. In this context, Conrad’s marriage to Isabella was not merely a personal affair but a strategic alliance aimed at bolstering Jerusalem's defenses and asserting authority amidst the backdrop of the Third Crusade.

Isabella had been the widow of the late King Humphrey IV of Toron, and her marriage to Conrad was an opportunity for both parties to increase their political influence. As a claimant to the throne, Conrad sought legitimacy and support to lead and stabilize the kingdom after years of turmoil stemming from the Crusades. The union was facilitated by their mutual interests in resisting the Muslim forces led by Saladin, who was actively challenging the Crusader states in the Holy Land.

The marriage also demonstrated the intricate relationships and power dynamics within the Frankish nobility of the region. It set the stage for Conrad's ascension as the king, and made the union a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for power among the Crusader states. Through this marriage, they aimed to strengthen the Latin hold in the region, aiming to restore and maintain Christian territories against encroaching threats.