Eleanor of Aquitaine

Definition

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and influential medieval queen who lived from 1122 to 1204. She was the wife of two kings, Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, and the mother of three English kings, Richard the Lionheart, John Lackland, and Henry the Young King. Her life was marked by political ambition, cultural patronage, and significant involvement in the events of the time, particularly during the age of chivalry and courtly love.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eleanor was the heiress to the Duchy of Aquitaine, one of the largest and wealthiest territories in France, which significantly increased her political power.
2. She participated in the Second Crusade alongside her first husband, Louis VII, showcasing her role in both military and political affairs during her time.
3. Eleanor was a key figure in promoting the ideals of courtly love and chivalry through her patronage of literature and culture during the medieval period.
4. After her marriage to Henry II, she played an essential role in the politics of England, helping to shape alliances and influence the governance of her sons.
5. Eleanor spent 15 years imprisoned by Henry II due to political conflicts but continued to wield considerable influence after her release, especially during Richard's reign.

Review Questions

• How did Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriages influence the political landscape of medieval Europe?
  • Eleanor's marriages to Louis VII of France and Henry II of England significantly impacted the political dynamics of medieval Europe. Her first marriage brought Aquitaine under French control, while her second marriage added substantial territories to English rule. This dual connection between France and England intensified rivalries and territorial disputes that shaped European politics during this era.
• In what ways did Eleanor contribute to the cultural developments during her time?
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine played a vital role in promoting cultural advancements through her support for literature and the arts. She is credited with fostering the ideals of courtly love and chivalry, inspiring poets and troubadours in her courts. Her patronage helped establish a cultural legacy that celebrated romantic ideals and elevated the status of women in literature during the medieval period.
• Evaluate Eleanor's impact on her sons' reigns and how it shaped English history during the late 12th century.
  • Eleanor's influence on her sons, particularly Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, was profound in shaping their approaches to kingship. Richard's reign was marked by military endeavors like the Crusades, partly fueled by Eleanor's own experiences and ambitions. Conversely, John's troubled reign was characterized by conflict with barons and loss of territories, influenced by Eleanor’s strong political presence. Overall, Eleanor's legacy is intertwined with key events that laid foundational aspects of English history in this transformative period.

Related terms

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love that emphasized nobility and chivalry, often involving a knight's devotion to a lady.

Plantagenet: The royal house that ruled England from the 12th to the 15th centuries, including Henry II and his descendants, significantly influenced by Eleanor's political actions.

Crusades:

A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in the medieval period, which Eleanor supported through her family connections and influence.