The 11 most powerful women in the Middle Ages

Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life story reads like a medieval epic, filled with political clout and chapters of romance that unfolded through courtly intrigue. 

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

She received an education in the arts and literature, a rarity for women of her time, which turned her into a well‑spoken woman. 

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

Eleanor’s influence in the French court was important, but her marriage to Louis was filled with tension and arguments, not least because of their different personalities. 

Her participation in the Second Crusade alongside Louis was an important moment in her life, a moment that showed her boldness and ability in the traditionally male‑controlled sphere of military campaigns. 

However, the crusade’s failure and her inability to produce a son strained their marriage further, leading to their annulment in 1152. 

Her subsequent marriage to Henry II of England later that same year started a new chapter in her life. 

This union secured significant territories in France under English control, changing the authority of the time. 

As Queen of England, Eleanor was a strong 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, Geoffrey, Richard, and Henry the Young King, in their rebellions against their father, which led to her time in jail by Henry for sixteen years. 

Following Henry’s death, Eleanor’s political skill was further showed during Richard the Lionheart’s reign and subsequent captivity. She helped govern the kingdom and negotiated for his release. 

Even as she approached eighty, she remained actively involved in diplomacy and family affairs, which demonstrated her lasting strength. 

Isabella of France, often known as the "She‑Wolf of France," was a figure whose life was connected with both the beauty and cruelty 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 secure peace between England and France. 

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

She was intelligent, politically sharp, and unafraid to hold authority in a world controlled by men. 

Her early years in the English court were defined by her husband’s special treatment of his male favourites, which caused unrest among the nobles. 

Initially, Isabella tried to navigate these difficult times with diplomacy and grace, but as Edward’s reign became unstable, her role and approach shifted dramatically. 

The tensions ended in 1325 when Isabella, under the guise of an official visit, refused to return to England. 

Instead, she began to organise a revolt against Edward. 

Isabella’s alliance with Roger Mortimer, an exiled English nobleman, was key. 

Together, they raised an army and invaded England in September 1326. Their campaign was successful; Edward II was deposed in January 1327 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 exercise authority but also attract much enmity for their self‑serving methods and the perceived arrogance of Mortimer. 

Her downfall came as swiftly as her ascent. In 1330, Edward III asserted his authority and staged a coup that led to the arrest and execution of Mortimer and the subsequent being pushed aside of Isabella. 

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 set to enter a monastery during childhood. 

Hildegard served as a nun and also acted as a visionary, a composer, a writer, a philosopher, a naturalist, and a spiritual leader. 

Her talents and insights covered a wide range of fields and made 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 resulted in her first major work, Scivias (Know the Ways). 

This work, along with her subsequent writings, spanned theology and cosmology and explored the connections between humans and nature, which showed her deep and innovative thinking. 

Her visions, although mystical, were grounded in her deep 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 that were groundbreaking in creativity and expression. 

Her music had soaring melodies and poetic lyrics, and served both worship and spiritual 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 widely on natural history and medicine, in which she combined her observations of the natural world with the medical practices of the time. 

Her writings in this area offer understanding of the medical practices and beliefs of the 12th century, and reflect her belief in the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual arenas. 

She corresponded with popes, emperors, and other powerful figures of her time in which she offered advice and insights. 

This was highly unusual for a woman of her era and shows 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 turbulent period of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. 

Joan's life story combined extraordinary courage and conviction before concluding in 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 was a turning point in the war. Joan, who was dressed in armor and who carried her banner, accompanied and inspired French troops to several key victories, most notably the siege of Orléans, which had been under English pressure for seven 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. 

In May 1430, she was captured by Burgundian forces allied with the English and was put on trial for charges including heresy and witchcraft. 

The trial was heavily politicized and unfair, as she was denied basic rights during the trials, including legal counsel. 

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 significant life. 

In 1456, a posthumous retrial approved by Pope Callixtus III declared Joan innocent of heresy and proclaimed her a martyr. 

She became widely recognised in France as a figure of national unity and religious conviction. 

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 strong interest in spirituality. 

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

She rejected societal expectations and refused marriage. Instead, 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 impact was particularly significant. 

She was a strong supporter of Pope Urban VI and was a key advocate for the papacy's return to Rome from Avignon, a move that proved critical to the history of the Church. 

Her political activism was remarkable, and it was especially notable because women in the 14th century typically had limited roles. 

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

In this work, she explores how love guided repentance and how both led the soul towards salvation through conversations with God. 

Her writings reveal her religious understanding and her ability to describe detailed spiritual experiences in accessible language. 

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

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

Catherine of Siena passed away at the age of 33. 

She was canonized in 1461 and in 1970 was declared a Doctor of the Church, an honor which highlighted her significant contribution to Catholic theology and spirituality. 

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

Matilda's early life was influenced 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 lacked a male heir and declared her his successor. However, upon his death in 1135, Matilda's cousin, Stephen of Blois, seized the throne, and this action led to a period known as The Anarchy, a conflict that would last for almost two decades. 

In this bitter struggle for succession, Matilda's efforts to claim the English crown were extraordinary for a woman in a male-dominated society. 

She was a determined and strong 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 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, and they demonstrated her strategic skill and determination. 

The war with Stephen created a prolonged period of instability in England that saw broken authority and conflict. 

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

An agreement with Stephen through the 1153 Treaty of Winchester recognised Henry as Stephen’s successor, and it effectively ended the civil conflict. 

Her son becoming King Henry II 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 family 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 dominant and controversial figures in English history. 

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

Her boldness in government matters was unusual for a queen consort and made her a divisive figure. 

She became actively involved in 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 persistence and courage, especially after the Lancastrian defeats and Henry VI's removal and later capture. 

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

Her leadership was key 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 seclusion until her death in 1482. 

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

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

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

This decision was 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 radical in its dedication to the Franciscan ideals of extreme poverty and simplicity. 

Clare's vision created a community that had no material security and that relied entirely on alms for daily needs. 

This radical approach to religious life was met with resistance from church leaders, who were not used to such a strict interpretation of poverty. 

Her leadership and conviction were key in gaining approval for her order's rule in 1253, which was the first religious rules written by a woman to receive papal approval. 

Under her guidance, the community of Poor Clares grew. Women from various backgrounds joined the order; some were members of the nobility who had been 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 sharp mind. 

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

Born into Spanish royalty in 1188, Blanche 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 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 manage these turbulent times showcased her diplomatic skill and her determination to keep her son’s claim to the throne. 

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 last few years of the Albigensian Crusade and her role in the Treaty of Paris in 1229 further confirmed her reputation as a capable ruler. 

Apart from her political and military efforts, 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 from 1248-1252, during her son's absence on the Seventh Crusade, further demonstrated her capability to govern effectively. 

During this time, her leadership stood out for her skillful management of domestic issues and her active diplomacy with neighboring nations. 

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 as a child, when her father was appointed court astrologer to Charles V. There 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. She began a writing career that would see her challenge social rules and support women's intellectual abilities. 

Her works, which spanned poetry and biography as well as political commentary, were groundbreaking for their literary quality and their progressive viewpoints. 

Christine is best known for The Book of the City of Ladies, a pioneering work completed in 1405 in which she constructs an allegorical city where women are valued and defended. 

This book, along with The Treasure of the City of Ladies, served as a strong reply to the common prejudice against women in her time. 

She argued eloquently for the moral and intellectual capacities alongside practical abilities of women. She positioned 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 commentary offered useful observations and was often requested by the nobility, proof of the respect she commanded as a thinker. 

Her ability to navigate the mostly male world of medieval literature and politics was extraordinary. 

Furthermore, Christine's work gave women of her time a voice and changed how medieval society viewed them. 

She challenged the idea that women were inferior and paved the way for future discussions on gender and equality. 

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

Initially, Margaret was married to King Haakon VI of Norway, which aligned 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 new authority. 

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

Her diplomatic skill was immediately evident. She successfully navigated the difficult Scandinavian politics, 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 careful mix of negotiation and alliance-building. 

Though her great-nephew Eric of Pomerania was crowned king of the Kalmar Union, Margaret maintained effective control over it until her death. 

The union showed Margaret's vision of a united Scandinavia, able to stand firmly in European politics. 

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

She was known for a blend of firmness and diplomacy, attributes that enabled her to maintain her authority in a male-dominated world.