Eleanor of Aquitaine

Louis VII marries Eleanor of Aquitaine - brings vast duchy to French crown, doubles royal domain

Bernart de Ventadorn at Eleanor's court - greatest troubadour lyricist, perfects canso form, possibly Eleanor's lover

Eleanor of Aquitaine patronizes troubadours - after marrying Henry II, spreads Occitan culture to England and northern France

Annulment of Louis VII and Eleanor - Church grants annulment for consanguinity, Eleanor immediately marries Henry II, France loses Aquitaine

Courts of Love at Poitiers - Eleanor and daughter Marie de Champagne preside, codify rules of courtly love, judge love disputes

Great Revolt begins - Henry II's sons rebel with support from Eleanor, Louis VII of France, and William the Lion of Scotland

Richard I ransomed for 150,000 marks - twice England's annual revenue, Eleanor organizes collection