Eleanor of Aquitaine, by Iris
During today’s ceremony, our graduating 8th Graders each treated us to a special project they worked on just for this occasion. Please enjoy Iris's clay sculpture of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the accompanying history of this strong woman of the Middle Ages.
Eleanor was born in Aquitaine, a region in France, in 1122. Her father was the Duke of Aquitaine. She grew up to become one of the most influential women of the Middle Ages.
Eleanor became the duchess of Aquitaine and got married to Louis VII, the heir to the English throne, at the age of fifteen. Ten years later she and Louis participated in the first crusade. She was very interested in political affairs for a queen.
After the first crusade failed, Eleanor and Louis did not get along well and got divorced. Her next husband, Henry II, the heir to the English Kingdom. Their marriage ended later, and their family was torn apart.
War broke out between Henry's and Eleanor's powerful son. Eleanor was imprisoned by Henry until his death. She devoted the rest of her life to her children, including Richard "the Lionheart" and John "Lackland."
Eleanor died in 1204 at the age of eighty-two. She was a very impactful person. She is still remembered as one of the strongest female figures throughout history.
