Eleanor of Aquitaine

Definition

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and influential queen consort in the 12th century, known for her roles as the wife of two kings: Louis VII of France and Henry II of England. She was a key figure in the politics of medieval Europe, actively participating in courtly life and the governance of her lands, while also being a patron of the arts and an important figure in the cultural revival of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eleanor was born around 1122 and inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine, one of the largest and most prosperous territories in France, making her one of the wealthiest women of her time.
2. She played a crucial role in the Second Crusade (1147-1149) alongside her husband Louis VII, which aimed to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control.
3. After her marriage to Henry II of England in 1152, Eleanor became queen consort and helped him consolidate power over his vast domains, which included much of England and parts of France.
4. Eleanor had eight children, including Richard the Lionheart and King John, both significant figures in English history, influencing the future of English monarchy.
5. She was a formidable political player who even led a rebellion against her husband Henry II in 1173-1174, showcasing her influence and determination within a male-dominated society.

Review Questions

• How did Eleanor of Aquitaine influence the political landscape of medieval Europe?
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine significantly influenced the political landscape by marrying two powerful kings, Louis VII of France and Henry II of England. Through these marriages, she connected two major kingdoms and was able to wield considerable power as queen consort. Her strategic alliances helped shape policies and decisions that affected both France and England during a tumultuous period marked by feudal conflict and dynastic struggles.
• Discuss the impact of Eleanor's participation in the Second Crusade on her legacy as a queen.
  • Eleanor's involvement in the Second Crusade showcased her commitment to her role as a queen and highlighted her political acumen. While the crusade ultimately failed to achieve its goals, Eleanor's presence reinforced the idea that women could play active roles in political and military affairs. This contributed to her legacy as a powerful figure in medieval history and helped redefine women's roles within noble society, paving the way for future influential women.
• Evaluate how Eleanor of Aquitaine's life illustrates the intersection of gender, power, and culture in 12th-century Europe.
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine's life exemplifies the complex intersection of gender, power, and culture during the 12th century. As one of the wealthiest women in Europe due to her inheritance, she wielded significant influence through her marriages to powerful kings. Her active participation in governance and support for cultural revival—such as promoting courtly literature and art—challenged contemporary gender norms. Additionally, her ability to lead rebellions against her husband illustrates how elite women could navigate and sometimes defy societal expectations to assert their power.

Related terms

Plantagenet Dynasty: A royal dynasty that ruled England from the 12th to the 15th centuries, known for its conflicts with France and internal struggles, and includes Eleanor's second husband, Henry II.

Crusades:

A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in the medieval period, which Eleanor participated in alongside her first husband, Louis VII.

Feudalism:

A social and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, characterized by the exchange of land for military service, in which Eleanor held significant power due to her vast inheritance.