A central feature of “Kingdom of Heaven” is its considerable cast of characters, almost all of whom where real historical figures. The film is focused on depicting the Kingdom of Jerusalem, a short-lived realm carved out of the Middle East by Europeans following the First Crusade. This kingdom was chock-full of exotic personas ranging from the enigmatic leader of the Saracens, Saladin, to the brutal raider Reginald of Châtillon. “Kingdom of Heaven” largely follows the exploits of one Balian of Ibelin, a knight who did indeed live during the time period. However, for the sake of a rousing adventure, Balian’s and many others true stories are either changed or elaborated upon, creating a rather different retelling of the historical events surrounding the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Balian of Ibelin
Balian of Ibelin is probably the most historically adjusted character in the entire film. His actual involvement in defense of Jerusalem against Saladin was marginal, and he was a knight, rather than the blacksmith he is first shown as. His romantic involvement with Sybilla of Jerusalem is never indicated in historical records, and is probably pure guessing due to her high profile marriage to Guy of Lusignan. The film does show his likely journey from Europe well, and is accurate in depicting his diplomatic interactions with the Saracen leader, Saladin.
Saladin
Saladin, the then leader of the Muslims who opposed the Kingdom of Jerusalem, is one of the most accurately portrayed characters. His is shown an exceptionally merciful yet just leader, conclusive to first-hand reports of him. His reasons for launching a war against the Kingdom of Jerusalem are correctly listed in the movie, as well as his brutal execution of Reginald of Châtillon. Considering his rich history, Saladin was excellent movie material without much modification needed.
Tiberius
Tiberius is the one character in Kingdom of Heaven who is entirely fictional. He plays a key role in moving the film’s central plot along, but no historical records point to a high-ranking individual named Tiberius existing at this point in the Kingdom of Jerusalem’s history. “No one named Tiberius is recorded as playing any substantive role in these events,” (Field). It could be argued that Balian himself is so far removed from the real historical Balian as to be fictional, but it should be understood under the context of important role the artistic changes have upon the film.
Sybilla of Jerusalem
History tells us that the original Sybilla was married to Guy of Lusignan, securing his rights as the next ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The movie shows this; however, a major subplot of the movie involves a romantic relationship between Balian and Sybilla. As far as research goes, there is little evidence to suggest such an occurrence, but in terms of film making, the extra entertainment is worth it. Due to the lack of historical information, it is difficult to say whether Sybilla's character is accurately portrayed.
Guy of Lusignan
Guy is one character who seems to be superbly recreated. His role in the film is an accurate rendition of history, and his general jerk-face attitude fits well with records. His interactions with the historical Balian probably probably played out a little different, but his marriage to Sybilla and ill-counseled utilization of Reginald of Chatillon are real.
Reginald of Chatillon
"Kingdom of Heaven" is a spectacular success in portraying Reginald as the incredibly callous knight he was. Everything from his raiding of Saracen caravans to general antagonization of the oppositions forces is well-filmed, including his eventual death at the hands of Saladin. If there is one unlikely event involving him it is probably his lack of action at the fortress of Krak des Chevaliers.