Poitiers

St. Hilary banishes serpent Galena - enormous serpent terrorizing Poitiers driven away with bishop's staff (Fortunatus)

William IX of Aquitaine begins composing troubadour poetry - grandfather of Eleanor, creates first known vernacular love lyrics in Occitan

William IX returns from disastrous crusade - writes bawdy and satirical songs, invents 'fin'amor' (refined love) tradition

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

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

Battle of Poitiers - Black Prince captures French King John II, height of English military success