Hugh III was the son of
Hugh II Embriaco, Lord of Gibelet. Upon his father's death around 1184, he succeeded him as ruler of the city. Like his predecessor, Hugh III promoted the interests of
Genoese merchants, particularly the powerful viscount families who dominated trade between Genoa and
Syria. This policy allowed the
Embriaco family to assert increasing autonomy from the Genoese Republic itself—an evolution that drew protests from Popes
Alexander III and
Urban III, though without tangible consequences. In 1187, during the
Battle of Hattin, Hugh was captured by Sultan
Saladin. In order to secure his release, he was forced to cede Gibelet. The city was later reclaimed by his son
Guido I Embriaco during Emperor
Henry VI's
Crusade of 1197. ==Marriage and issue==