Eleanor of Aquitaine lived for 82 years, an extraordinary accomplishment for someone living in the 12th century. She was Queen of France, Queen of England, a great patroness of the arts, and instrumental in the legend and success of Richard the Lionheart. She wielded power in a time when most people thought women incapable of doing so. Her influence was felt throughout England and France, and through Europe as well. Eleanor traveled the world, leaving her mark wherever she went. She is buried between the two men whose reigns she helped define: her husband, Henry II, who expanded his empire and influence through their marriage; and her son, Richard I, whose image as the successful English hero King she helped create.

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