The Crusader Queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine
Imagine being a queen in the 12th century, crossing treacherous lands and seas to join one of the most perilous military campaigns in history. That’s exactly what Eleanor of Aquitaine did when she accompanied her first husband, Louis VII of France, on the Second Crusade.
This was no ordinary royal journey—Eleanor brought with her a retinue of knights and noblewomen, turning the march into a spectacle of courtly splendour. Yet, the crusade was anything b... moreThe Crusader Queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine
Imagine being a queen in the 12th century, crossing treacherous lands and seas to join one of the most perilous military campaigns in history. That’s exactly what Eleanor of Aquitaine did when she accompanied her first husband, Louis VII of France, on the Second Crusade.
This was no ordinary royal journey—Eleanor brought with her a retinue of knights and noblewomen, turning the march into a spectacle of courtly splendour. Yet, the crusade was anything but glamorous. Fraught with danger, political tensions, and logistical chaos, it was a defining moment in her life and a bold testament to her courage.
Despite her remarkable role, Eleanor’s presence sparked controversy. Some chroniclers claimed her entourage hindered the campaign, while others marvelled at her leadership and resilience. Then there was the scandal in Antioch, where her close relationship with her uncle, Raymond of Antioch, raised eyebrows and fueled rumours that strained her already fragile marriage to Louis VII. And let’s not forget the legendary tales of her dressing in armour like an Amazon warrior—whether fact or fiction, they certainly add to her mystique.
