Eleanor of Aquitaine

MedievalPoliticianFrance1122 — 1204

Queen of France and England, one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages.

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Quick Facts

Born

1122

Died

1204

Country

France

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)25

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)65

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)52

Total Score55.2

Eleanor of Aquitaine — Complete Timeline

1137 AD

Marriage to Louis VII of FrancePolitical Action◆ Major

Eleanor married Louis VII, becoming Queen of France. The marriage brought the Duchy of Aquitaine under French control. She accompanied Louis on the Second Crusade.

MarriageFranceAquitaine

Impact: regional

1152 AD

Annulment of marriage to Louis VIIPolitical Action

Eleanor's marriage to Louis VII was annulled on grounds of consanguinity. She regained control of Aquitaine, which remained independent of France. This event reshaped the political map of Western Europe.

AnnulmentAquitainePolitics

Impact: regional

Marriage to Henry II of EnglandPolitical Action

Eight weeks after her annulment, Eleanor married Henry Plantagenet, who became King Henry II of England in 1154. The marriage created the Angevin Empire, with English control over much of France.

MarriageEnglandAngevin Empire

Impact: regional

1173 AD

Rebellion against Henry IIPolitical Action◆ Major

Eleanor supported her sons' rebellion against Henry II. The revolt failed, and Henry imprisoned Eleanor for 15 years. This event highlighted the fractured Plantagenet family dynamics.

RebellionImprisonmentPlantagenet

Impact: regionaldestructive

1190 AD

Regency of England during Richard I's crusadePolitical Action◆ Major

While Richard I was on the Third Crusade, Eleanor acted as regent in England. She managed the kingdom, raised ransom money when Richard was captured, and negotiated his release.

RegencyCrusadeRichard I

Impact: nationalconstructive