Eleanor of Aragon, Queen of Cyprus facts for kids

Her tomb in Barcelona

Eleanor of Aragon (born 1333 – died 26 December 1417) was a queen from the House of Barcelona. She became Queen consort of Cyprus when she married Peter I of Cyprus. Eleanor was an important ruler. She served as regent of Cyprus in 1366 while her husband was away. Later, she was regent for her young son, Peter II of Cyprus, starting in 1369.

Eleanor's Early Life and Marriage

Eleanor was born in 1333. Her father was Peter of Aragon. Her mother was Joan of Foix. Eleanor belonged to the powerful House of Barcelona.

In 1353, King Peter IV of Aragon arranged her marriage. He wanted to make his kingdom stronger. Eleanor married Peter I of Cyprus. This marriage made Eleanor the Queen of Cyprus. She also became the Queen of Jerusalem and Armenia in name.

Eleanor Becomes Queen Regent of Cyprus

Eleanor's husband, Peter I, became king. His time as king was not always easy for Cyprus. In 1366, King Peter I went on a military trip. He left Eleanor in charge of Cyprus. She became the regent, meaning she ruled in his place.

On 17 January 1369, King Peter I died. His brothers, John and James, were involved. Eleanor became regent again for her son, Peter II. He was still too young to rule alone. She shared this power with the king's brothers. Eleanor worked hard to protect her son's claim to the throne. She did not want anyone to take his place.

Eleanor secretly asked the Genoese to invade Cyprus. She wanted to get back at her brothers-in-law. With some help, the Genoese took over parts of Cyprus in 1373. They captured James. In 1374, John died, and Eleanor was involved in this event.

In 1378, Peter II married Valentina Visconti. She was the daughter of Barnabò Visconti. Eleanor and Valentina did not get along well. They had many disagreements.

In 1381, Eleanor was 44 years old. She was forced to go back to Catalonia. This was to prevent more problems with Valentina.

Eleanor's Life in Valls

After returning home, Eleanor's cousin, Peter IV of Aragon, gave her a new role. He put her in charge of the city of Valls. She shared power with the archbishop of Tarragona.

Eleanor moved into the archbishop's palace in Valls. Her court grew quickly. Many officials and helpers joined her. Some had come with her from Cyprus.

There was a tax on wine imports in Valls. But Eleanor's friends said they did not have to pay it. This caused a revolt among the people. There were fights and injuries on both sides. In the end, Eleanor's friends had to pay the taxes.

Later, King Peter IV died. His son, King John I, took over. But the problems between Eleanor and the people of Valls continued. Citizens broke into the palace. They killed Eleanor's brother, John, who was her butler. Eleanor was very scared. She fled to her brother's land. After living in Valls for twelve years, Eleanor never went back.

She died on 26 December 1417. She passed away in the Castle of Falset, in Catalonia.

Eleanor's Children

Eleanor and Peter I had the following children:

• Peter II of Cyprus (around 1357–1382). He became King of Cyprus and Jerusalem after his father.
• Marie, also called Mariette (around 1360 – around 1397). She was engaged to Carlo Visconti. In 1385, she married her cousin, James of Lusignan. He was the titular Count of Tripoli. They had children.
• Eschive (died before 1369). She died when she was very young. Some believe she might have been the daughter of Peter's first wife, also named Eschive.