Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine was queen consort to two kings and mother to two more, making her the most powerful woman in 12th-century Europe.
Synopsis
Eleanor of Aquitaine inherited her father's lands in 1137, and married Louis VII of France that same year. Their marriage was annulled in 1152. She then married Henry II of England, bearing him eight children including sons Richard (the Lion-Hearted) and John who would both become king. Eleanor promoted courtly culture, including troubadour songs, and was a savvy military adviser to her sons.
