Eleanor Of Aquitaine: The Power Of Churches In Europe Throughout The Middle Ages

In an age when men were considered to be superior to women, Eleanor of Aquitaine proved that conclusion wrong by becoming one the greatest queens ever known in history, first as the Queen of France and later as the Queen of England. But many queens during the medieval ages were not able to accomplish what Eleanor did in her lifetime. How did Eleanor become such a powerful queen during the period in which she lived.

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

in her lifetime which helped her develop into a strong woman. She aspired to challenge

Towards the end of the Middle Ages and into the duration of the Renaissance, the Medieval Church’s social and political power dwindled. Centuries prior the Catholic Church gained a surplus of control, largely due to the stability it maintained during the chaotic breakdown of the Western Roman Empire . Yet toward the end of the Middle Ages the Church set in motion factors that would ultimately lead to its downfall as the definitive figure of authority. However, despite political and social controversy surrounding the church, the institutions it established cleared a path for a new way of thinking, shaping society in an enduring way.

Across Europe in the 1500’s and 1600’s also known as The Reformation period, there was a need for change that benefited more people religiously and intellectually, women were among those who were in need of change that raised their status as human beings. There were specific gender roles in place in Europe where women were expected to be a wife and mother, nothing more and they got a very limited education if any at all. However, during the Reformation, European society developed a different attitude towards women regarding their education and involvement in religion, nevertheless women were still seen as inferior to men.

Wives of rulers or women in the royal family often convinced men in power to see things their way. Although their role was limited, women also had an important influence in the home. Most women raised children and saw to their education. Many women also

Thesis Statement: In a time that women were not supposed to overpower men, Eleanor of Aquitaine had great power over her country.

Moments after their marriage, Louis VI died, making Eleanor the Queen of France at 15. Phillip, Louis’ older brother, was raised to be king, but died after falling from a horse in 1131. Thus, Eleanor easily influenced her husband while making decisions, and was blamed for the problems between the Church and the French monarchy

Born around 1123, in modern day southern France, Eleanor of Aquitaine received her “royal” treatment. From an early age Eleanor of Aquitaine was profoundly educated by her father. Her father schooled her in many areas including: literature, philosophy, and different languages. Included with her academic schooling, she was also trained in the rigors of court life. All of this was in an effort to prepare Eleanor for the role she would soon play, as early as the age of 5, when she became her father’s presumptive heir. Even while holding this somewhat presumptive title, she was

It was said of Eleanor of Aquitaine “She was beautiful and just, imposing and modest, humble and elegant, who surpassed almost all the queens of the world.” However, Queen Eleanor was known to be the Grandmother of Europe, she had many children who became kings and queens. In the 12th century women were supposed to be quiet and unnoticeable, but Queen Eleanor never let that stop her from ruling France, England, Aquitaine, and the Count of Politiers, and of course ruling over the most powerful men of the time.

King Louis VI arranged for his son Louis VII to marry Eleanor. After the King died in the same year as her father, Louis VII and Eleanor were crowned King and Queen of France. In 1145 their first daughter was born, Marie of France. King Louis was briefly involved in the first cascade, but developed guilt from it as so many people lost their lives. Because of this guilt by the 2 crusades he decided to fight among the knights. Eleanor joined her husband in leading the 2 crusade on the battlefield with her own lady squad, they were dressed as soldiers but did not fight. During this time Eleanor grew very close to her uncle Raymond of Poitiers, however Louis believed they were too close which resulted in the two arguing. Eleanor then arrived in Sicily and begged the Pope of a divorce, however, he refused and instead locked them in a room and told them to produce another child. In 1151 their second daughter was born, Alix of France, even though Eleanor loved both her children, the birth of only daughters caused even more problem in hers and Louis’ relationship as they needed a son to carry out their name. In this same year Eleanor went to the Pope again and begged for a divorce, this time to Pope granted her wish and divorced them, luckily Eleanor was able to keep all her land as well as the title, the queen of

She was also an active participant in the suffrage movement. She believed in the equal rights of women and was adamant in getting

Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women in the Middle Ages. She was the Duchess of Aquitaine. Later, she would go on to become Queen of France and later Queen of England. Eleanor was born in France. It was believed she was born in 1122. She was raised by her father, William X.After Eleanor got married to her husband, they became rulers of Aquitaine together. They ruled for a long time. Their rulership consisted of criticism and embarrassment.

In fact, the reformation oppressed women socially and religiously. Men also suffered some setbacks as well, but this paper will focus on the setbacks of women. Before the reformation, women had basically three options for a “career.” They could marry and become a housewife, become a nun, or work a prostitute.

Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life and marriages give insight into the process of how the nobility manipulated and ignored laws for personal gain. She was orphaned at a young age, and came under the guardianship of Louis VI, king of France. At the death of her father and the age of fifteen she became the Duchess of Aquitaine and the most sought after bride of the times. Aquitaine was a very important Duchy, and Eleanor owned it. Louis VI married her to his son soon after he became her guardian, and this marriage was made under duress.