The 11 most powerful women in the Middle Ages

Eleanor of Aquitaine's life story reads like a medieval epic, filled with power, intrigue, and romance.

Born in 1122 to the Duke of Aquitaine, she grew up in one of the largest and wealthiest domains in France.

Her childhood was steeped in the arts and education, a rarity for women of her time, which shaped her into a well-educated and articulate woman.

In 1137, she became the Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, and her marriage to Louis VII of France that same year propelled her onto the international stage.

Eleanor's influence in the French court was significant, but her marriage to Louis was fraught with tension and disagreements, not least because of their contrasting personalities.

Her participation in the Second Crusade alongside Louis marked a significant moment in her life, showcasing her boldness and capability in the traditionally male-dominated sphere of military campaigns.

However, the crusade's failure strained their marriage further, leading to their annulment in 1152.

Her subsequent marriage to Henry II of England in 1152 marked a new chapter in her life.

This union brought significant territories in France under English control, drastically changing the political landscape of the time.

As Queen of England, Eleanor was a formidable political figure. She was not content with a ceremonial role and played an active part in governing the realm, especially during Henry's absences.

She supported her sons, Richard and John, in their rebellions against their father, which led to her imprisonment by Henry for sixteen years.

Following Henry's death, Eleanor's political acumen was further displayed during Richard the Lionheart's reign and subsequent captivity.

She effectively governed the kingdom and negotiated for his release. Her final years, even into her eighties, were spent in active engagement with political and familial affairs, showcasing her enduring influence and resilience.

Isabella of France, often known as the "She-Wolf of France," was a figure whose life intertwined with both the beauty and brutality of medieval politics.

Born in 1295 as the daughter of Philip IV of France, she was married to Edward II of England at a young age, a union meant to solidify the peace between England and France.

Isabella, however, would grow to be much more than a mere diplomatic bride.

She was intelligent, politically astute, and unafraid to wield power in a world dominated by men.

Her early years in the English court were defined by her husband's favoritism towards his male favorites, which caused significant unrest among the nobility.

Initially, Isabella tried to navigate these troubled waters with diplomacy and grace, but as Edward's reign became increasingly unstable, her role and approach shifted dramatically.

The tensions culminated in 1325 when Isabella, under the guise of a diplomatic mission, refused to return to England.

Instead, she began to orchestrate a revolt against Edward.

Isabella's alliance with Roger Mortimer, an exiled English nobleman, was pivotal.

Together, they raised an army and invaded England in 1326. Their campaign was successful; Edward II was deposed and later died under mysterious circumstances, while their son, Edward III, was installed as the new king.

Isabella and Mortimer effectively ruled in his stead during his minority, a period that saw them wield substantial power but also attract much enmity for their autocratic methods and the perceived arrogance of Mortimer.

Her downfall came as swiftly as her ascent. In 1330, Edward III, asserting his authority, staged a coup that led to the arrest and execution of Mortimer and the subsequent marginalization of Isabella's political influence.

Remarkably, Edward spared his mother's life, and she was allowed to live in comfortable retirement until her death in 1358.

Born in 1098 in the Holy Roman Empire, she was destined for a monastic life from a young age.

Hildegard was not just a nun; she was a visionary, a composer, a writer, a philosopher, a naturalist, and a spiritual leader.

Her talents and insights spanned a wide array of disciplines, making her one of the most influential women of her time.

Hildegard's visions, which she claimed to have experienced since childhood, were central to her work.

At the age of 43, she began writing about these visions, which culminated in her first major work, "Scivias" (Know the Ways).

This work, along with her subsequent writings, encompassed theology, cosmology, and the interconnectivity of humans and nature, reflecting her deep and innovative thinking.

Her visions, although mystical, were grounded in her profound understanding of theology and scripture, earning her respect and even awe in a period where women's voices were often sidelined.

Hildegard composed numerous liturgical songs, which were revolutionary in their creativity and expressiveness.

Her music, characterized by soaring melodies and poetic lyrics, was not just for worship but also a form of spiritual expression and exploration.

She wrote plays, too, which were imbued with her deep spiritual insights and philosophical thoughts.

In addition to her theological and artistic contributions, Hildegard was also known for her knowledge of medicinal herbs and healing.

She wrote extensively on natural history and medicine, combining her observations of the natural world with the medicinal practices of the time.

Her writings in this area offer a glimpse into the medical practices and beliefs of the 12th century and reflect her belief in the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms.

She corresponded with popes, emperors, and other influential figures of her time, offering advice and insights.

This was highly unusual for a woman of her era, reflecting the high regard in which she was held.

Her spiritual leadership extended to founding two monasteries, where she continued her work until her death in 1179.

Joan of Arc lived during a tumultuous period marked by the Hundred Years' War between France and England.

Joan's life story is one of extraordinary courage, conviction, and, ultimately, martyrdom.

Her rise began at a young age when she claimed to have received visions from Archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria, instructing her to support Charles VII and recover France from English domination.

In 1429, at the age of 17, Joan made her way to the French court, convincing Charles VII of the validity of her divine mission.

Her arrival marked a turning point in the war. Dressed in armor and carrying her banner, Joan led French troops to several key victories, most notably the siege of Orléans, which had been under English control for many months.

Her leadership and success in battle were astonishing, reinvigorating the French and altering the course of the war.

Joan's actions not only had military significance but also boosted the morale and national identity of the French people.

Captured by Burgundian forces allied with the English, she was put on trial for charges including heresy and witchcraft.

The trial was heavily politicized, reflecting the broader conflict between England and France.

Joan's steadfastness and eloquence in the face of interrogation were remarkable.

However, in 1431, she was condemned and burned at the stake in Rouen at the age of 19.

Her execution was a tragic end to a brief, yet impactful life.

She became a symbol of French nationalism and a figure of inspiration for many.

Her canonization as a saint in 1920 by the Catholic Church further cemented her status as a symbol of bravery and faith. 

Catherine of Siena was born in 1347 in the city of Siena, Italy. As a young girl, Catherine showed a deep inclination towards spirituality.

At the age of six, she reportedly had her first vision of Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of her life's extraordinary spiritual journey.

Rejecting societal expectations and refusing marriage, she chose a life dedicated to God and joined the Third Order of Saint Dominic, a group of laypeople committed to religious observance.

In the context of the Great Schism of the Catholic Church, Catherine's influence was particularly significant.

She was a staunch supporter of Pope Urban VI and played a crucial role in persuading the Pope to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome, a move that was pivotal in the history of the Church.

Her political activism was remarkable, especially considering the limited roles typically available to women in the 14th century.

Her theological writings, especially "The Dialogue of Divine Providence," are considered masterpieces of medieval spiritual literature.

In this work, she explores the relationship between love, repentance, and human salvation in a series of conversations between the soul and God.

Her writings reveal her theological depth and her capacity to express complex mystical experiences in accessible language.

Catherine's life was marked by her intense devotion, which often manifested in extreme ascetic practices, and her commitment to caring for the sick and poor.

Her humanitarian efforts during the plague and her dedication to the needy and marginalized were expressions of her deep compassion and faith.

Catherine of Siena passed away at the age of 33, and her legacy has endured for centuries.

Canonized in 1461, she was later declared a Doctor of the Church, an honor highlighting her significant contribution to Catholic theology and spirituality. 

Empress Matilda was born in 1102 as the daughter of King Henry I of England.

Her significance in history is highlighted by her role in the early stages of the English civil war, known as The Anarchy, a period known for its bitter struggle for succession following her father's death.

Matilda's early life was shaped by the politics of marriage and alliances.

She was first married to Henry V, the Holy Roman Emperor, hence earning the title of Empress. After Henry V's death, she returned to England.

Her father, lacking a male heir, declared her his successor. However, upon his death in 1135, Matilda's cousin, Stephen of Blois, seized the throne, triggering a conflict that would last for decades.

Matilda's efforts to claim the English crown were extraordinary for a woman in a male-dominated society.

She was a determined and formidable opponent to Stephen. In 1141, she came closest to her goal after Stephen was captured at the Battle of Lincoln.

Matilda declared herself 'Lady of the English,' a title that reflected her unique position.

However, her triumph was short-lived as her lack of political tact and her perceived arrogance led to a rapid decline in support among the English nobility.

Despite this setback, Matilda never relinquished her claim. Her military campaigns continued, demonstrating her strategic acumen and tenacity.

The war with Stephen created a prolonged period of instability in England, characterized by fragmented authority and internal strife.

It was only through her son, Henry Plantagenet, that her ambitions were eventually realized.

The eventual agreement with Stephen, which named Henry as Stephen's successor, was a testament to Matilda's persistence and political skill.

Margaret of Anjou played a central role in the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts in 15th-century England.

Born in 1430 into the House of Anjou in France, her marriage in 1445 to Henry VI of England was meant to be a symbol of peace during the Hundred Years' War.

However, her life in England was far from peaceful and would see her become one of the most influential and controversial figures in English history.

Her husband, Henry VI, was a weak ruler, prone to mental incapacitation, which left a power vacuum that Margaret soon began to fill.

Her assertiveness in government matters was unusual for a queen consort and made her a polarizing figure.

She became actively involved in the factional court politics, often siding against the powerful Duke of York, whose own claim to the throne posed a threat to her son, Edward of Westminster's, succession.

The outbreak of the Wars of the Roses in 1455 saw Margaret emerge as a key figure in the Lancastrian cause.

She showed remarkable tenacity and courage, especially after the Lancastrian defeats and Henry VI's capture.

She continued to rally support for her husband's cause and for the future of her son's inheritance.

Her leadership was instrumental in the brief restoration of Henry VI to the throne in 1470.

The death of her only son, Edward, in the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, and the subsequent murder of Henry VI, effectively crushed the Lancastrian cause.

Captured after the battle, Margaret was imprisoned and later ransomed back to France, where she lived in relative obscurity until her death in 1482.

Saint Clare of Assisi, born into Italian nobility in 1194, chose a path that was radically counter to her aristocratic upbringing.

Her journey to sainthood began with a profound admiration for Saint Francis of Assisi, whose teachings on poverty and humility deeply resonated with her.

At the age of 18, in a defiant move against her family's expectations, Clare abandoned her wealth and noble status to embrace a life of poverty and piety.

This decision marked the beginning of her journey as a spiritual leader and reformer.

She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, a religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition.

This order was revolutionary in its commitment to the Franciscan ideals of extreme poverty and simplicity.

Clare's vision was for a community that lived without any material security, relying entirely on alms for sustenance.

This radical approach to religious life was met with resistance from the Church hierarchy, which was unaccustomed to such a strict interpretation of poverty.

Her leadership and conviction were instrumental in gaining approval for her order's rule, which was the first set of monastic guidelines known to have been written by a woman.

Under her guidance, the community of Poor Clares grew, attracting women from diverse backgrounds, including other members of nobility who were inspired by her example.

She maintained a strong and influential correspondence with Saint Francis and played a significant role in the Franciscan movement.

Her letters and writings reveal a deeply spiritual and theologically astute mind.

Her guidance helped shape the Franciscan order and its approach to spirituality and community living.

Born into Spanish royalty in 1188, she was the granddaughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England.

Her marriage to Louis VIII of France in 1200 brought her into the heart of French politics.

Blanche's influence and importance grew significantly after her husband's death in 1226, when she became regent for her young son, Louis IX, who later became one of France's most revered kings.

Blanche's regency was overshadowed by the threat of English invasion and internal rebellions by powerful French barons.

Her ability to navigate these turbulent times showcased not only her political shrewdness but also her determination to preserve the crown for her son.

She was instrumental in maintaining the stability of the kingdom during Louis IX's minority, a feat achieved through both diplomatic and military means.

Her leadership during the Albigensian Crusade further cemented her reputation as a decisive and effective ruler.

Apart from her political and military endeavors, Blanche was also a patron of the arts and education.

She played a crucial role in the upbringing and education of her son, instilling in him the values and skills that would later define his reign.

Her influence was evident in Louis IX's pious and just rule, a reflection of the virtues and principles she deeply espoused.

Blanche's second regency, during her son's absence on the Seventh Crusade, further demonstrated her capability to govern effectively.

Her governance during this period was marked by her adept handling of domestic affairs and her diplomatic engagement with neighboring powers.

Her regencies were not without controversy, however; her firm measures to maintain royal authority and her foreign birth made her the subject of criticism and opposition within some factions.

Born in Venice in 1364, she moved to France in her youth, where she received an extensive education, an unusual privilege for women of her time.

This foundation laid the groundwork for her to become one of the first women in Europe to earn a living as a writer.

Widowed at the age of 25, Christine turned to writing as a means to support her family, embarking on a literary career that would see her challenge societal norms and advocate for women's intellectual capabilities.

Her works, which spanned poetry, biography, and political commentary, were groundbreaking not just for their literary quality, but for their progressive viewpoints.

Christine is best known for "The Book of the City of Ladies," a pioneering work in which she constructs an allegorical city where women are valued and defended.

This book, along with "The Treasure of the City of Ladies," provided a strong rebuttal to the prevalent misogynistic attitudes of her time.

She argued eloquently for the moral, intellectual, and practical abilities of women, positioning herself as a voice of reason and an advocate for gender equality.

She also delved into the political and social issues of her time, including the Hundred Years' War and the insanity of King Charles VI of France.

Her political commentary was insightful and often sought after by the nobility, a testament to the respect she commanded as an intellectual.

Her ability to navigate the predominantly male world of medieval literature and politics was nothing short of extraordinary.

Furthermore, Christine's work had a lasting impact on the perceptions of women in medieval society.

She challenged the narrative of women's inferiority and paved the way for future discussions on gender and equality.

Her writings not only provided a voice for women of her era but also left a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and admired for its depth, insight, and progressive views.

Margaret I of Denmark was born in 1353 to King Valdemar IV of Denmark.

Initially, Margaret was married to King Haakon VI of Norway, aligning the Danish and Norwegian thrones.

However, it was the death of her father and subsequently her son, Olaf, that thrust her into a position of unprecedented authority.

Upon Olaf's untimely death in 1387, Margaret, who had been ruling on his behalf, became the de facto ruler of Denmark and Norway.

Her political acumen was immediately evident. She successfully navigated the complex Scandinavian political landscape, consolidating her power and thwarting efforts by rival nobles to undermine her authority.

She also brought Sweden under her control after the deposition of King Albert of Mecklenburg, who had clashed with Swedish nobles.

Margaret's most significant achievement was the formation of the Kalmar Union in 1397, uniting Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch.

This union, a masterstroke of diplomacy, was a sophisticated blend of negotiation and alliance-building.

The Kalmar Union was a testament to Margaret's vision of a united Scandinavia, able to stand as a strong entity in European politics.

Margaret I's reign, which lasted until her death in 1412, was a period of relative peace and stability in Scandinavia.

Her rule was characterized by a blend of firmness and diplomacy, attributes that enabled her to maintain her authority in a predominantly male-dominated world.