Eleanor of Aquitaine

Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most important women in medieval Europe. She was born around 1122 and died in 1204. Eleanor ruled large lands in western France and became queen of two different kingdoms. Her life connected the histories of France and England during the Middle Ages, a period in European history from about 500 to 1500.

Eleanor inherited Aquitaine when her father, William X, Duke of Aquitaine, died. A duke is a noble ruler who controls a large region. Aquitaine was rich and large, making Eleanor a very important heiress. In 1137, she married Louis VII of France. Through this marriage, she became Queen of France. She traveled widely with Louis and took part in the Second Crusade, a military expedition to the eastern Mediterranean.

The marriage between Eleanor and Louis VII did not last. They had two daughters but no sons. In 1152, their marriage was annulled, which means it was officially ended by the Church. Soon after, Eleanor married Henry Plantagenet, who later became King Henry II of England. This made Eleanor Queen of England and placed her lands under English rule.

As Queen of England, Eleanor had eight children, including Richard I and John. Richard I is also known as Richard the Lionheart. Eleanor often governed lands while Henry II was away. She managed castles, courts, and officials. This shows that queens could hold real political power in the Middle Ages.

Later in life, Eleanor supported her sons during conflicts with their father, Henry II. Because of this, she was imprisoned for several years. After Henry died in 1189, her son Richard I became king, and Eleanor was released. She then acted as a ruler again, helping to govern the kingdom while Richard was on the Third Crusade.

Eleanor lived to an old age for her time. She spent her final years in a monastery in France. When she died in 1204, she was buried at Fontevraud Abbey. Eleanor of Aquitaine is remembered as a queen who ruled lands, influenced politics, and shaped the history of medieval Europe.