Eleanor of Aquitaine’s Greatest Accomplishments
- Major accomplishments of Eleanor of Aquitaine Eleanor of Aquitaine ...
- One of the most highly sought-after woman in Europe ...
- She made the Duchy of Aquitaine a force to be reckoned with ...
- An influential Queen of France for about 15 years ...
- Eleanor of Aquitaine introduced built-in fireplaces ...
- She was involved in the Second Crusade (1147) and other dangerous adventures ...
- Secured a trade deal with the Byzantine Empire ...
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How was Eleanor of Aquitaine unique?
Eleanor of Aquitaine is unique in that she can rule either the French or English civilization.
Why is Eleanor of Aquitaine a hero?
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a great hero of history for her work improving the lives of women through encouraging the arts and creating a stable government for her people. Eleanor like her father before her was very interested in the arts and made it very clear at her court in Poitiers.
How is Queen Elizabeth II related to Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Eleanor, sovereign duchess of Aquitaine, was one of the most notable figures of the Middle Ages. Married in turn to Louis VII of France, and Henry II of England, her descendants intermarried into almost every royal and noble family in Europe. HM The Queen is descended from both of Eleanor's marriages.
What is a famous quote from Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Eleanor of Aquitaine : Love, in a world where carpenters get resurrected, anything is possible.
What is the Aquitaine in Lion in Winter?
The play is the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, estranged wife of Henry II of England, who in 1183 is brought home from prison to celebrate another kind of imprisonment: a miserable Christmas with her husband and sons, all four locked in a struggle over the succession to the throne that each knows may precipitate the ...
What role did Eleanor play in the rebellion?
Since Eleanor, 11 years her husband's senior, had long resented his infidelities, the revolt may have been instigated by her; in any case, she gave her sons considerable military support. The revolt failed, and Eleanor was captured while seeking refuge in the kingdom of her first husband, Louis VII.
Does the Tudor bloodline still exist?
With the death of Edward VI, the direct male line of the House of Tudor ended.
Who was Queen Elizabeth's crush?
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married for 73 years Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had one of the most enduring royal romances of all time. "She fell in love at age 18 and she never looked at anyone else," Sally Bedell Smith, author of Elizabeth the Queen, told PEOPLE.
How far back does Queen Elizabeth bloodline go?
1,209 yearsHow far does Queen Elizabeth's bloodline go? The bloodline of the current royal family can be traced back some 1,209 years! This covers 37 generations and goes all the way back to the 9th century.
What is the famous line of Belle?
"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere." Belle sings this line in her big opening number about wanting more than the country life can offer her. It's a testament to her character that she doesn't come off as snobby and rather an admirable dreamer instead.
Who said I discover who I am I'll be free?
Ralph EllisonRalph Ellison - When I discover who I am, I'll be free.
What is the famous line from Saw?
"Game Over." - John Kramer (Saw) Easily the most iconic and terrifying phrase uttered by anyone in the Saw franchise, Jigsaw's signature "game over" line will haunt the nightmares of horror fans for decades to come.
What impact did the marriage of Eleanor?
The impact of the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II to England made its forces stronger as the two leaders of two kingdoms united. Also, Eleanor became significant to England as she introduced here the making of fireplaces, innovation for the British to make their house warm in times of winter.
Who did Eleanor of Aquitaine influence?
1199-1216 CE) of Magna Carta fame as well as Eleanor of England (l. c. 1161-1214 CE), mother of Blanche of Castille (l. 1188-1252 CE). A great patroness of the arts (as most of her children and grandchildren would be), she inspired the works of Bernard de Ventadour (12th century CE), Marie de France (wrote c.
What is Eleanor of Aquitaine's social status?
Eleanor was the daughter of William X, Duke of Aquitaine, and Aénor de Châtellerault. She became duchess upon her father's death in April 1137, and three months later she married Louis, son of her guardian King Louis VI of France.
What was the great revolt Eleanor of Aquitaine?
The Revolt of 1173–1174 was a rebellion against King Henry II of England by three of his sons, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their rebel supporters. The revolt ended in failure after eighteen months; Henry's rebellious family members had to resign themselves to his continuing rule and were reconciled to him.
What religion was Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Religion. Catholicism. Eleanor of Aquitaine (c. 1122 – 1 April 1204) ( French: Aliénor d'Aquitaine, pronounced [ˈaˌli.ˌɛˈnɔʀ ˈdaˌkiˈten]) was Queen of France from 1137 to 1152 as the consort of King Louis VII, Queen of England from 1154 to 1189 as the wife of King Henry II, and Duchess of Aquitaine from 1137 until her death in 1204.
Who was Eleanor the patron of?
She was patron of literary figures such as Wace, Benoît de Sainte-Maure, and Bernart de Ventadorn. She led armies several times in her life and was a leader of the Second Crusade . Eleanor was the daughter of William X, Duke of Aquitaine.
How old was Eleanor of Poitiers?
Eleanor's year of birth is not known precisely: a late 13th-century genealogy of her family listing her as 13 years old in the spring of 1137 provides the best evidence that Eleanor was perhaps born as late as 1124. On the other hand, some chronicles mention a fidelity oath of some lords of Aquitaine on the occasion of Eleanor's fourteenth birthday in 1136. This, and her known age of 82 at heed in 1121. Her birthplace may have been Poitiers, Bordeaux, or Nieul-sur-l'Autise, where her mother and brother died when Eleanor was 6 or 8.
How many children did Henry and Eleanor have?
They had five sons and three daughters. However, Henry and Eleanor eventually became estranged. Henry imprisoned her in 1173 for supporting the revolt of their eldest son, Henry, against him. She was not released until 6 July 1189, when her husband died and their third son, Richard I, ascended the throne.
What is the name of Eleanor's sister?
Eleanor had only one other legitimate sibling, a younger sister named Aelith (also called Petronilla ).
Where did Eleanor get her name?
Eleanor is said to have been named for her mother Aenor and called Aliénor from the Latin Alia Aenor, which means the other Aenor. It became Eléanor in the langues d'oïl of northern France and Eleanor in English. There was, however, another prominent Eleanor before her— Eleanor of Normandy, an aunt of William the Conqueror, who lived a century earlier than Eleanor of Aquitaine. In Paris as the queen of France, she was called Helienordis, her honorific name as written in the Latin epistles.
What did Eleanor learn?
Eleanor developed skills in conversation, dancing, games such as backgammon, checkers, and chess, playing the harp, and singing.
Where was Eleanor of Aquitaine born?
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Early Life. Eleanor was born in what is now southern France , most likely in the year 1122. She was well educated by her cultured father, William X, Duke of Aquitaine, thoroughly versed in literature, philosophy, and languages and trained to the rigors of court life when she became her father’s heir presumptive at the age 5.
What is the content of Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Contents. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Early Life. Eleanor of Aquitaine Becomes Queen of France. Eleanor Becomes Queen of England. Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Court of Love. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Imprisonment. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Regency and Death. Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) was one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages.
Why did Louis and Eleanor get annulled?
After several fraught years during which Eleanor sought an annulment and Louis faced increasing public criticism, they were eventually granted an annulment on the grounds of consanguinity (being related by blood) in 1152 and separated , their two daughters left in the custody of the king.
Why was Eleanor of Aquitaine arrested?
Eleanor, rumored to be actively supporting her son’s plans against her estranged husband, was arrested and imprisoned for treason.
What was the court of love in Poitiers?
Eleanor’s time as mistress of her own lands in Poitiers (1168-1173) established the legend of the Court of Love, where she is reputed to have encouraged a culture of chivalry among her courtiers that had far-reaching influence on literature, poetry, music and folklore. Although some facts about the court remain in dispute amidst centuries of accumulated legend and myth, it seems that Eleanor, possibly accompanied by her daughter Marie, established a court that was largely focused on courtly love and symbolic ritual that was eagerly taken up by the troubadours and writers of the day and promulgated through poetry and song. This court was reported to have attracted artists and poets, and to have contributed to a flowering of culture and the arts. But to whatever extent such a court existed, it appears not to have survived Eleanor’s later capture and imprisonment, which effectively removed her from any position of power and influence for the next 16 years.
How many children did Henry and Eleanor have?
Henry and Eleanor argued often, but they produced eight children together between 1152 and 1166. The extent of Eleanor’s role in Henry’s rule is largely unknown, although it seems unlikely that a woman of her reputed energy and education would have been wholly without influence.
What were Louis and Eleanor's first years as rulers?
Louis and Eleanor’s first years as rulers were fraught with power struggles with their own vassals –the powerful Count Theobald of Champagne for one–and with the Pope in Rome. Louis, still young and intemperate, made a series of military and diplomatic blunders that set him at odds with the Pope and several of his more powerful lords.
Who was Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Definition. Eleanor of Aquitaine (l. c. 1122-1204 CE) was one of the most impressive and powerful figures of the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 CE) – male or female – whose influence shaped the politics, art, medieval literature, and perception of women in her era. She was the Duchess of Aquitaine, a province of France, from 1137-1204 CE, ...
What was Eleanor's influence on the world?
Eleanor's influence defined her time not only in the regions she governed but in those she came in contact with. She served as a role model for a number of upper-class women, and her legacy was continued by her children and grandchildren, most notably in the case of Eleanor of England and Blanche of Castille.
Why did Louis and Eleanor annul their marriage?
Whatever initial admiration Louis had for Eleanor was steadily replaced by resentment, and when she suggested an annulment on the grounds of consanguinity, although he initially refused, he consented. After further misadventures in Palestine, the couple returned to France where the marriage was annulled in 1152 CE.
What did William X do for his sister?
He encouraged Eleanor and her younger sister Petronilla in education and cultural refinement. As a young girl, Eleanor was fluent in Latin and adept at all the sports of kings such as hunting and hawking.
How did Eleanor endure her marriage?
Generally speaking, Eleanor endured her marriage in typical fashion by channeling her energies elsewhere and raising her children, through whom she knew she could eventually wield greater power and influence than Henry through advantageous matches with foreign nobility. Remove Ads. Advertisement. Henry II & Richard I.
What was the purpose of Eleanor's expedition?
When Louis accepted the charge to lead the Second Crusade to the Holy Land, Eleanor made clear she would be going as well. Louis' goal in funding and leading the expedition was to do penance for the massacre of the citizens of the town of Vitry in his war with the Count of Champagne; Eleanor's sole intention seems to have been to go on a grand adventure. Louis had little experience in leadership and none in travel or logistics and so, unsurprisingly, the crusade did not go well. Eleanor was routinely criticized by medieval historians for behaving as though she were going to a party or palace ball. She brought along 300 ladies-in-waiting and a baggage train allegedly miles long to carry all their dresses and other necessities. Even so, these same historians make clear she was a more able leader than her husband and more respected by the troops.
Why did Louis escape from Antioch?
Louis only escaped because he was dressed as a cleric and managed to hide in a tree. Once in Antioch, Eleanor took center stage and Louis appears as one of her servants, not as king.
What are some interesting facts about Eleanor of Aquitaine?
She controlled an extensive estate, became Queen of France and then England, and gave birth to one of England's most famed rulers, Richard the Lionheart. While her biography is now tangled up with myths and legends —even her date ...
What was Eleanor of Aquitaine's gift?
Out of all the tokens of wealth and royalty that touched her life, only one artifact that once belonged to Eleanor of Aquitaine survives. She received an elegant rock crystal vessel from her grandfather William IX Duke of Aquitaine, who had likely been given it by the ruler of Imad al-dawla of Saragossa. In 1137, she gave it as a wedding gift to her future husband, Louis VII. The king’s advisor Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis then convinced Louis VII to add it to his abbey’s treasury (thus keeping it in French royal possession after their brief marriage). Now visitors to the Louvre in Paris can view the rare object, where, despite its series of owners, it’s still known as the “Eleanor” vase.
What does Eleanor look like?
It’s not hard to find contemporary accounts of Eleanor’s good looks. The French medieval poet Bernard de Ventadour declared her "gracious, lovely, the embodiment of charm," while Matthew Paris remarked on her "admirable beauty." Curiously, though, in all these celebrations of her fine features, not one person wrote down what she actually looked like. Her hair color, eye color, height, and face all remain a mystery. No art that has been definitively linked to her survives other than the effigy on her tomb—and the degree to which that resembles Eleanor's looks is unclear.
Where did Eleanor die?
Having outlived all of her husbands and most of her children, Eleanor ended her days at Fontevraud Abbey in France. She died there in 1204 in her eighties. Remarkably, her 13th-century effigy tomb survives, depicting Eleanor reclining on a bed, a crown upon her head and a devotional book in her hands. She seems to be studiously ignoring the effigies of her husband Henry II and son Richard the Lionheart on either side of her.
How long was Eleanor under house arrest?
After supporting her sons in their revolt, Eleanor was captured while attempting to find safety in France. She spent between 15 and 16 years under house arrest in various English castles, and was almost entirely absent from the country's activity (although there were rumors that she had a hand in the death of Rosamund, King Henry's beloved mistress). On special occasions like Christmas, Henry would allow her to show her face, but otherwise she was kept invisible and powerless. Only in 1189, when Henry died, was she fully freed.
How many men did the King send to transport Eleanor to Paris?
The king dispatched 500 men to transport Eleanor to Paris for the wedding. Not long after their summer ceremony, the king fell ill and then died. By the end of the year his son was on the throne, and Eleanor was crowned Queen of France. 2.
Why did Eleanor travel extensively?
She refused to stay home and idle away her hours. She traveled extensively to protect the kingdom that was then being consolidated by Henry, giving the monarchy a presence across its newly united cultures. When her husband was away, she helped direct government and ecclesiastical affairs. And in contrast to her listless marriage to Louis VII—with whom she had two daughters—she secured her position by having eight children, including five sons and three daughters.
Who was Eleanor of Aquitaine?
Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122 or 1124 – 1 April 1204) was queen consort of France (1137–1152) and England (1154–1189) and duchess of Aquitaine in her own right (1137–1204). As a member of the Ramnulfids... more
Who is the most famous Eleanor?
The famous Eleanors below have many different professions, including notable actors named Eleanor, famous writers named Eleanor, and even musicians named Eleanor. Eleanor Roosevelt is certainly one of the most famous Eleanors on this list. One of the famous political figures named Eleanor, she served as the First Lady of ...
Where does Eleanor Daley live?
She lives and works in Toronto, Ontario. Among her... more
Who is Eleanor Spence?
Eleanor Spence (1928–2008) was an Australian author of novels for young adults and older children. Her books explore a wide range of issues, including Australian history, religion, autism, bigotry,... more
Who was Eleanor de Montfort?
Eleanor de Montfort, Princess of Wales and Lady of Snowdon (1252 – 19 June 1282) was an English noble. She was the daughter of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester and Eleanor of England. She... more
Who is Eleanor Catton?
Eleanor Catton (born 24 September 1985) is a New Zealand author. Her second novel, The Luminaries, won the 2013 Man Booker Prize. ... more
Who was Eleonor de Medici?
Eleonor de' Medici (28 February 1567 – 9 September 1611) was a Duchess of Mantua by marriage to Vincenzo I Gonzaga. She was a daughter of Francesco I de' Medici and Joanna of Austria. She was a... more
Overview
Second marriage
As Eleanor travelled to Poitiers, two lords—Theobald V, Count of Blois, and Geoffrey, Count of Nantes, brother of Henry II, Duke of Normandy—tried to kidnap and marry her to claim her lands. As soon as she arrived in Poitiers, Eleanor sent envoys to Henry, Duke of Normandy and future king of England, asking him to come at once to marry her. On 18 May 1152 (Whit Sunday), eigh…
Early life
Eleanor's year of birth is not known precisely: a late 13th-century genealogy of her family listing her as 13 years old in the spring of 1137 provides the best evidence that Eleanor was perhaps born as late as 1124. On the other hand, some chronicles mention a fidelity oath of some lords of Aquitaine on the occasion of Eleanor's fourteenth birthday in 1136. This, and her known age of 82 at her death make 1122 the most likely year of her birth. Her parents almost certainly married in …
First marriage
On 25 July 1137, Eleanor and Louis were married in the Cathedral of Saint-André in Bordeaux by the archbishop of Bordeaux. Immediately after the wedding, the couple were enthroned as duke and duchess of Aquitaine. It was agreed that the duchy would remain independent of France until Eleanor's oldest son became both king of France and duke of Aquitaine. Thus, her holdings would not be me…
Widowhood
Upon the death of her husband Henry II on 6 July 1189, Richard I was the undisputed heir. One of his first acts as king was to send William Marshal to England with orders to release Eleanor from prison; he found upon his arrival that her custodians had already released her. Eleanor rode to Westminster and received the oaths of fealty from many lords and prelates on behalf of the king…
Appearance
Contemporary sources praise Eleanor's beauty. Even in an era when ladies of the nobility were excessively praised, their praise of her was undoubtedly sincere. When she was young, she was described as perpulchra—more than beautiful. When she was around 30, Bernard de Ventadour, a noted troubadour, called her "gracious, lovely, the embodiment of charm", extolling her "lovely eyes and noble countenance" and declaring that she was "one meet to crown the state of any king". Wi…
Popular culture
Judy Chicago's artistic installation The Dinner Party features a place setting for Eleanor, and she was portrayed by Frederick Sandys in his 1858 painting, Queen Eleanor.
Henry and Eleanor are the main characters in James Goldman's 1966 play The Lion in Winter, which was made into a film in 1968 starring Peter O'Toole as Henry and Katharine Hepburn in the role of Eleanor, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress and the BAFTA Award fo…
See also
• Grandmother of Europe, sobriquet of Eleanor of Aquitaine and others
• List of longest-reigning monarchs
Early Life & Rise to Power
Queen of France & The Second Crusade
- Louis VII was never meant to be king. He had been groomed for the clergy from a young age but the deathof his older brother Philip, the heir apparent, in 1131 CE altered the plan. Louis was heir to the throne but lacked the training and experience which went into grooming a future monarch. Further, he had led a sheltered life, having spent most of his time in monasteries, and had little e…
Queen of England & Patroness of Arts
- Eleanor married Henry, then Duke of Normandy, only weeks after the annulment. Henry became king of England in 1154 CE and Eleanor his queen, but she was not able to dominate Henry as easily as she had Louis. Their marriage was a series of battles as Eleanor tried to control her husband and he resisted through countless affairs. Henry's famous temper and impulsive natur…
Revolt & Imprisonment
- In 1173 CE, Eleanor and Henry's oldest son, Henry the Young King (1155-1183 CE), rebelled against his father. The revolt, incited by nobles who stirred up young Henry's resentment toward his father, lasted eighteen months and cost many lives before it was finally crushed. A young Sir William Marshal(l. 1146-1219 CE), the greatest knight of the period, was involved on the side of …
Regent of England
- Although nominally the regent, Eleanor signed herself, and had others address her, as “Eleanor, by the grace of God, Queen of England” (Kelly, 288). She ably picked up her political maneuverings as though she had not been confined for the past 16 years. Kelly writes: She understood that the crusades in a far-off land for a nebulous cause were a waste of her energies and channeled her …
Conclusion
- John then succeeded to the throne and, in May 1200 CE, concluded a peace treaty with Philip Augustus which had to be sealed through marriage between the French house of Capet and the English house of Plantagenet. Eleanor traveled to Castille, where her daughter Eleanor reigned, and brought back her granddaughter Blanche of Castille to marry Philip's son, Louis VIII (also kn…