Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Eleanor Aquitaine: The Life of a Medieval Badass
Aug 4, 2023
Meet Eleanor Aquitaine, a badass medieval woman who was queen several times and possibly the most powerful woman in medieval Europe. In this episode, we explore her scandalous love affairs, her political influence and involvement in crusades, and the baseless rumors and sexist double standards she faced. Discover the complexities of her life, from her marriages to Louis VII and Henry II, her imprisonment, and her role in her family and society.
43:53
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Quick takeaways
- Despite rumors of scandal, such as affairs with her uncle or the Muslim leader Saladin, accusations against Eleanor Aquitaine are largely baseless.
- Eleanor's marriages played a central role in her life, with her union with Henry II of England being complex and marked by infidelity, yet connected through shared rule and family bonds.
Deep dives
Eleanor of Aquitaine: The Powerful and Influential Queen
Eleanor of Aquitaine, a queen known for her power and wealth in medieval Europe, had a significant impact on political affairs. Despite being imprisoned for almost 16 years due to a failed revolt against her second husband, she continued to wield influence. She commanded armies and even joined crusades. Despite rumors of scandal, such as affairs with her uncle or the Muslim leader Saladin, these accusations are largely baseless. Eleanor's beauty and intelligence played a role in her success, as she was admired by her subjects and renowned for her captivating presence at social events.
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