Baldwin IX, the Count of Flanders, ascended to the title of the first Emperor of the Latin Empire in a significant coronation ceremony held in the Hagia Sophia, which had been temporarily repurposed by the Crusaders. This event followed the successful campaign of the Fourth Crusade, where Crusader forces unexpectedly diverted from their initial goal of capturing Jerusalem, instead opting to conquer Constantinople. The establishment of the Latin Empire represented a monumental change in the political landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean and the culmination of years of Christian conflicts over control of holy sites.

Baldwin's rule faced numerous challenges from both the remaining Byzantine nobility and various local factions. As the first emperor, Baldwin sought to legitimize his reign by fostering ties with other Western European powers and attempting to restore effective governance over the chaotic remnants of Byzantine territories. His coronation was meant to symbolize unity among the Crusader states and laid the groundwork for further Latin incursions into Eastern Europe.

The significance of Baldwin's coronation extended beyond political power; it represented a cultural connection between Western Europe and the Eastern Christian world. The ceremony included traditional Byzantine imperial rites and Latin elements, reflecting the blending of cultures in the wake of conquest. However, Baldwin’s reign was marred by continuous conflicts, leading to instability and eventual fragmentation of the Latin Empire.