Eleanor of Aquitaine
- Born:
- c. 1122, Poitiers, Duchy of Aquitaine
- Died:
- March 31, 1204, Fontevraud Abbey, Anjou
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen Consort of France, Queen Consort of England
Early Life and Education
- Inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine and County of Poitou upon her father's death in 1137.
- Received a comprehensive education befitting a noblewoman of her era, including literature, languages, and courtly manners.
- Became one of the most sought-after heiresses in Europe.
Career and Major Achievements
- Married Louis VII, King of France, in 1137, becoming Queen Consort of France.
- Participated in the Second Crusade (1147-1149) alongside Louis VII.
- Marriage to Louis VII was annulled in 1152.
- Married Henry II, King of England, in 1152, becoming Queen Consort of England.
- Mother to several notable children, including Richard I (the Lionheart) and John, both Kings of England.
- Played a significant role in the political landscape of both France and England, influencing courtly culture and diplomacy.
- Supported the arts and literature, fostering a vibrant courtly environment.
- Imprisoned by Henry II for supporting her sons' rebellion (1173-1189).
- Acted as regent during Richard I's absence on the Third Crusade.
Notable Works
- Patronage of the arts and literature, contributing to the development of courtly love traditions.
- Political influence and participation in diplomatic negotiations.
- Management of her vast Aquitanian territories.
Legacy and Impact
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and influential figure in 12th-century Europe. As both Queen Consort of France and England, she exerted considerable political influence and shaped the cultural landscape of the era. Her legacy extends to her patronage of the arts, her role in the Plantagenet dynasty, and her remarkable life as one of the most formidable women in medieval history. The life of Eleanor of Aquitaine continues to captivate historians and storytellers alike.