20 Women Who Made History By Bending Gender Roles

3. Eleanor of Aquitane

#NAME 20 Women Who Made History By Bending Gender Roles

Eleanor of Aquitane was one of the most powerful persons in Europe during the High Middle Ages. Beyond being Queen of England (married to King Henry II), she was previously Queen of France (married to Louis VII) and had considerable influence on both countries during her reigns. Eleanor was even the acting head of state while her son English King Richard I went on the Third Crusade.