The Captivating Tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and Symbol of Medieval Power

Early Life and Inheritance

Eleanor of Aquitaine was born in 1122 as the eldest daughter of William X, Duke of Aquitaine. Her mother, Aénor de Châtellerault, was a wealthy heiress in her own right. Eleanor inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine in 1137, making her one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Europe.

The Summer Queen: A Medieval Tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France

by Elizabeth Chadwick

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2444 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages

FREE

Eleanor's inheritance brought her into contact with some of the most influential figures of the time. Her guardian, King Louis VI of France, arranged her marriage to his son, Prince Louis, later King Louis VII. The marriage took place in 1137, and Eleanor became Queen of France.

Queen of France and the Second Crusade

As Queen of France, Eleanor played an active role in the court and in her husband's campaigns. She accompanied Louis on the Second Crusade in 1147, where she witnessed the siege of Damascus and the fall of Edessa. Eleanor's involvement in the Crusade has led some historians to believe that she had a strong influence on foreign policy.

However, Eleanor's marriage to Louis was not a happy one. The couple had two daughters, but Louis was reportedly jealous of Eleanor's independence and her popularity with the nobility.

Annulment and Marriage to Henry II

In 1152, Eleanor's marriage to Louis was annulled on grounds of consanguinity. She quickly married Henry, Duke of Normandy, who became King Henry II of England in 1154.

Eleanor and Henry's marriage was a political alliance that strengthened the Angevin Empire, which included England, Normandy, and Aquitaine. Eleanor bore Henry eight children, including five sons who would all become kings.

Queen of England

As Queen of England, Eleanor played a significant role in her husband's court. She was a patron of the arts and learning, and she established the courtly love tradition in England. Eleanor also played an active role in politics, and she often traveled on behalf of her husband.

However, Eleanor's relationship with Henry was not always easy. Henry was a powerful and ambitious king, and he often clashed with Eleanor's independent spirit. In 1173, Eleanor was imprisoned by Henry after she supported her sons in a rebellion against him. She was not released until 1189, when Henry died.

Later Life and Legacy

After Henry's death, Eleanor became the regent for her son, Richard I. She also played a role in the coronation of her grandson, John.

Eleanor died in 1204 at the age of 82. She is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential women of the Middle Ages. She was a patron of the arts, a leader in the Crusades, and a symbol of medieval power.

Eleanor's Legacy

Eleanor of Aquitaine's legacy is a complex and multifaceted one. She was a powerful and independent woman who lived in a time when women were expected to be subservient to men. She was a patron of the arts and a leader in the Crusades, and she played a significant role in English and French history.

Eleanor's legacy can be seen in the many works of art and literature that she commissioned and inspired. She is also remembered as a symbol of medieval power and independence.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a remarkable woman who lived a long and eventful life. She was a queen, a regent, and a patron of the arts. She was also a symbol of medieval power and independence. Eleanor's legacy continues to inspire people today.