Publication Date

5-2019

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

4-29-2019

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Arts in History

Department

History

Supervisory Committee Chair

Lisa McClain, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Erik J. Hadley, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Katherine V. Huntley, Ph.D.

Abstract

Historians have frequently written on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) although few have studied her role as an affectionate, devoted, dutiful mother. This work is an attempt to address this situation through the study of available primary sources on Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Even though she was Queen of France (1137-1152) and England (1137-1189) she was considered less important than any man of her class because of the societal norms of the time. In reality she played an important part in the Angevin Empire for the power and influence she wielded in her own right. She used this power to influence the lives of her children for the better, nurturing them as children and playing a major role in their marriage alliances as well as supporting them in their adult lives. Eleanor fought the attempts her husband, Henry II, and other male secular and religious leaders made to force her into a submissive role because of Church reforms of the time. Eleanor of Aquitaine continues to captivate readers today.

DOI

10.18122/td/1556/boisestate

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