Unveiled Facts About Eleanor Of Aquitaine, The Captive Queen
Eleanor of Aquitaine began her tumultuous life in Europe's royal circles as the most eligible bride in the Medieval period. But she didn't stay that way for long.
By the time Eleanor took her last breath, she had led armies, mouldered in a prison cell, endured a scandalous breakup, wed a significantly younger man, supported an illicit revolt, and more.
Prepare to bend the knee to the fierce Eleanor of Aquitaine.
1. She Endured a Childhood Tragedy
Eleanor became heir when she was just five years old, but it only happened because of a tragic reason. The royal had two siblings: a younger sister named Petronilla and a younger brother named William Aigret. Of course, because William was a boy, he should have been heir to the kingdom of Aquitaine, but all that changed when William died. He was only four years old when he passed.
2. An Illness Ravaged Her Family
The day that Eleanor became next-in-line to the throne should have been the best day of her life, but the exact opposite was true. When William perished of tuberculosis, he wasn't the only member of the family to fall victim to the disease.
Eleanor also lost her mother, Aenor de Châtellerault. At just five years old, the future queen had already lost half of her immediate family.
3. She Made History When She Was Just a Child
When Eleanor came into her inheritance, she became the first and only woman to rule her own duchy. That alone would be enough of an achievement for most people, but Eleanor wasn't satisfied.
She'd go on to live a life that ran the gamut from inspirational and groundbreaking to heartrending and utterly tragic.
The Devil
4. She Wasn't Just a Pretty Face
Once she became her father’s heir, Eleanor received an education befitting a future queen. The best teachers in the land tutored the young girl in science, history, literature, philosophy, and languages.
She also mastered horseback riding, was an excellent conversationalist, and could play games such as chess, checkers, and backgammon. With skills like this, it's no wonder that all the noblemen pounced at the chance to wed Eleanor.
