Medieval princesses had it tough. Rarely did they experience the joy of a loving union—Eleanor of Castile and her Edward is one of the major exceptions to that—often were they sent off to lands unknown, never to return. Yes, they were raised to do this. They were educated and buffed and polished, and many likely […]
Poor little Maria – the sad story of a medieval princess Read More »
Now and then I come across medieval women who wielded significant power. On the Iberian Peninsula there is Urraca and Berenguela, Maria de Molina, Isabel la Católica (better known as one half of the double act Isabel and Fernando)—and today’s protagonist, Leonor Teles de Meneses. In general, medieval chroniclers are a bit leery towards female
Constanza Manuel was born a pawn. That’s what happens when your mother is an Aragonese princess and your father, Juan Manuel, is a scion of the House of Ivrea, the ruling dynasty in Castile. Don Juan Manuel was the nephew of Alfonso X and the much younger cousin of Sancho IV. From his father, Infante
Constanza Manuel – a pawn to her daddy’s ambitions Read More »