Eleanor of Aquitaine weds Prince Louis of France

July 25th, 1137

July 25th, 1137

Eleanor of Aquitaine weds Prince Louis of France
How Long Ago?

887 years, 7 months, 18 days ago

Location

Bordeaux, France

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Louis VII of France
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine
Links & References
Tags

Eleanor of Aquitaine weds Prince Louis of France

Eleanor of Aquitaine marries Prince Louis at the Cathedral of Saint-André in Bordeaux in a significant union that united two powerful realms. This marriage was arranged to strengthen political ties between the Duchy of Aquitaine and the Kingdom of France, providing both parties with substantial benefits. The ceremony was grand, attended by nobility from Aquitaine and France, and showcased the importance of dynastic alliances in medieval Europe.

Eleanor was the wealthiest heiress in France.

The wedding strengthened alliances in medieval Europe.

Louis became King Louis VII after Eleanor's marriage.

Their union influenced future royal marriages.

What Happened?

Eleanor of Aquitaine’s marriage to Prince Louis, the future King Louis VII of France, marked a pivotal moment in medieval European history due to the strategic implications of their union. The wedding took place at the Cathedral of Saint-André in Bordeaux, a location that underscored both religious significance and the political aspirations of the couple’s families. Eleanor, the heiress of vast territories in southwestern France, including Aquitaine, was a major catch for any nobleman seeking to bolster their power. By marrying Louis, the young prince not only gained a formidable wife but also access to the wealth and influence of Aquitaine, which was one of the richest regions in France.The marriage was celebrated with great pomp, reflecting the couple’s high status among nobility. It also served as a showcase for the two houses, with many noble families present, indicating their endorsement of the alliance. The ceremonial aspects of the wedding were steeped in the traditions of the time, emphasizing the role of the Church and the importance of dynastic continuity. For Louis, marrying Eleanor was also a way to solidify his own legitimacy as the heir to the French crown, gaining a significant territorial advantage and a partner who would later prove to be politically astute and influential.Furthermore, Eleanor's role as a queen consort would give rise to significant political maneuvering in subsequent years. The dimensions of their marriage expanded as they navigated the complex landscape of European alliances and territorial conflicts. The partnership would not only focus on their reigns but also have lasting repercussions on the relationships between the Kingdom of France and the various duchies and principalities within its borders. Their union set a precedent for future marriages between powerful noble families, emphasizing the critical nature of political marriages in the consolidation of power in the high medieval period.

Why Does it Matter?

This marriage was instrumental in shaping the political landscape of France and its vassal states during the medieval period. The union between Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII established a new paradigm for dynastic alliances, emphasizing the importance of marriage as a tool for political gain. Eleanor's later involvement in the Crusades and her eventual role in the governance of England also underscore the lasting impact of this union on European history.

Discover More Historic Events from July 25th

Natural Disasters

Record Extreme Heat Across Europe

July 25th, 2019 5 years ago

On July 25, 2019, several countries in Europe faced unprecedented heat, with the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany breaking national temperature records. In the UK, temperatures soared to 38.7°C (101.7°F) at Cambridge, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the country. Belgium also reported a record of 41.8°C (107.2°F), as did Germany, where the temperature reached 42.6°C (108.7°F) in Duisburg. The extreme heatwave was part of a larger phenomenon affecting much of Europe that summer, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on weather patterns.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Coordinated Attacks in As-Suwayda Region

July 25th, 2018 6 years ago

On July 25, 2018, a series of coordinated attacks struck the As-Suwayda region in Syria, resulting in significant casualties. A combination of suicide bombings and armed assaults targeted civilians and government forces alike. The attackers were believed to be linked to ISIS, marking a resurgence of violence in the predominantly Druze area. This surge in hostilities raised concerns about security for local communities amidst the ongoing Syrian Civil War.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

WikiLeaks Releases Afghanistan War Logs

July 25th, 2010 14 years ago

WikiLeaks published a vast cache of classified military documents detailing the War in Afghanistan, revealing over 91,000 internal reports from 2004 to 2010. The leaked materials unveiled previously unreported incidents, including civilian casualties and actions taken by U.S. and NATO forces. This treasure trove was made available to major media outlets, leading to a global discussion about government transparency and accountability in military operations. The revelations raised significant questions about the conduct of the war and the challenges faced by both troops and civilians in the conflict.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Pratibha Patil sworn in as President of India

July 25th, 2007 17 years ago

Pratibha Patil was sworn in as the 12th President of India, marking a significant milestone as the nation's first female president. The ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, where she took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Patil's election was both a demonstration of progressive change in Indian politics and a celebration of women's empowerment in a country of diverse cultures and traditions. Her presidency aimed to strengthen democracy and improve social equality in India.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Concorde Flight 4590 Fatal Crash Near Paris

July 25th, 2000 24 years ago

Concorde Air France Flight 4590 crashed shortly after takeoff from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, resulting in the deaths of 113 individuals, including crew and passengers. The flight was destined for New York City when an incident involving debris on the runway caused a tire blowout, leading to a catastrophic sequence of events. The fuselage ruptured, igniting a fire that ultimately brought the aircraft down just moments after it left the ground.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Pierre Buyoya Overthrows Sylvestre Ntibantunganya

July 25th, 1996 28 years ago

A military coup in Burundi resulted in Pierre Buyoya overthrowing Sylvestre Ntibantunganya. This coup was characterized by the military's swift takeover of governmental powers, marked by the arrest of Ntibantunganya and other officials. Buyoya, who had previously ruled Burundi from 1987 to 1993, aimed to stabilize a nation beset by ethnic violence and political strife. Following the coup, he assumed the presidency, pledging to restore security amidst ongoing civil conflict.

Continue Reading