Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most influential women in the history of Europe, having been a queen to rulers of both France and England, along with having significant political and economic power in her own right. She served as an example to all women, during a period where there was increasing development in the female's role in society. Eleanor was a patron of the arts, and she was also a powerful personality, influencing the politics of the day with the help of her sons, and maintaining a certain degree of control over the monarchy even after her marriage to Henry had ended.
Eleanor was born in 1122 to Duke William X of Aquitaine. The holdings of her father were equal to those of the French royalty, making him one of the most influential and important men in the region. She inherited her father's wealth and influence upon his death, and later that year was wed to Louis VII of France. He became
During her reign she was a great patron of the arts, sponsoring troubadours and court poetry. She enjoyed work depicting courtly love, although others thought it to be pornographic and detrimental to the morals of England. Her court was said to be lively and exciting, and the work commissioned in her honor added to the literature of the day. She also was very active in the court during Henry's absence, advising many aspects of government as well as being the driving force in rescuing Richard when he was kidnapped.
Eleanor's relationship with Henry began to collapse, partially because of his frequent adultery, and partially because he was cruel. Eleanor joined again with Louis VII in 1173 to influence her sons in a revolt against Henry. She assisted them both politically and through military channels. This caused Henry to capture and imprison her during the last years of his life. He was chiefly concerned that she not be allowed
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