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Chapter 8 Biography Activity

Much of the courtly literature and song of the twelfth century was about one woman— Eleanor, duchess of Aquitaine (textbook page 193). She was not only a powerful political figure but also a strong influence on medieval literature and culture. ◆ As you read, think C about how one person can influence events in history. Then, on a separate sheet of paper, answer the questions that follow. H A Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204) P T he was married to two kings. She was the mother 1173, Henry was enraged. Having pursued her to E Sof two others. While her life may read like a his- France, he kept her prisoner in various castles over torical novel, Eleanor of Aquitaine played a major the next fifteen years. R role in many events of the time. Rich, beautiful, and After Henry’s death in 1189, Eleanor’s son 8 politically wise, she was probably the most powerful Richard I—Richard the Lionhearted—became king woman in medieval Europe. and released her. Now Eleanor had Heiress to the rich lands of even more to do politically. When Aquitaine and Poitiers in France, Richard was absent on crusades, she Eleanor was 15 when she married in effect ruled England. When he the heir to the French throne, who was captured on his way back, shortly became King Louis VII. Eleanor helped raise the ransom to When in 1147 Louis joined the free him and bring him home. After Second Crusade to the Holy Land, Richard died in 1199, Eleanor (now Eleanor went along, taking with her in her late 70s) rallied support to a large group of other women to help her youngest son, John, gain serve as nurses. She and Louis quar- the throne. reled during the journey, and their John was not a popular king and marriage ended in 1152. Under had many enemies. In addition, medieval law, she regained owner- other family members were eager to ship of her lands in Aquitaine. take his lands in France—Aquitaine Later that same year, Eleanor and Anjou. Eleanor arranged a polit- married Henry Plantagenet, a grandson of the ical marriage for her granddaughter in order to keep English king who also held valuable territories in peace with France. Later she raised an army France. A few years later, he became king of England to protect John’s claims on the French territories. as Henry II. They had eight children. Throughout Eleanor died at 82, having survived two hus- her marriages and long life, Eleanor maintained her bands and eight of her ten children. The nuns at the own court in Aquitaine. Troubadours and poets abbey where she spent her final years called her a were welcomed there. queen “who surpassed almost all the queens of the Her marriage to Henry II was also stormy. When world.” she helped her sons in a rebellion against him in ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO CREDIT: BETTMANN.

Questions to Think About 1. How did Eleanor of Aquitaine become queen 3. Using Reasoned Judgment Why was hold- of France and then of England? ing large amounts of land so important in the 2. What influence did Eleanor have on English Middle Ages? Why was it especially important history? for a woman such as Eleanor? © Prentice-Hall, Inc.

10 • Biography Activity Chapter 8