Berenguela of Castile (1180-1246) and Political Women in the High Middle Ages

Daughter, wife, and mother of kings, Berenguela of Castile (1180-1246) was a key figure in the formation of medieval Castile-León. Queen of León from 1197-1204, regent for Enrique I of Castile briefly in 1214, and then Queen of Castile in her own right after 1217, she secured the thrones of Castile and León for her son Fernando III and enabled his crusades in al-Andalus. This study examines Berenguela's use of authority and power, her legitimacy as a female ruler, and her motherhood and patronage in her efforts to maintain the thrones of Castile and León for her family.

Author: M. Shadis
Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
Published: 10/16/2009
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780312234737

About the Author
MIRIAM SHADIS holds an appointment as Research Scholar at Ohio University, where she also teaches in History and has taught in Women's Studies.