Eleanor of Arborea facts for kids
Eleanor of Arborea (born around 1347, died 1404) was a very important and powerful ruler in Sardinia. She was one of the last "judges" of the Judicate of Arborea, which was like a small kingdom or state in Sardinia. Eleanor is remembered as a great heroine of Sardinia.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Family
Eleanor was born in a place called Molins de Rei. She was the third child of Marianus IV of Arborea and Timbora. Her father, Marianus IV, became the ruler (or "judge") of Arborea in 1347. This happened after his brother, Pietro III, died without any children. An important group of leaders and officials chose Marianus to be the new judge.
Eleanor later married Brancaleone Doria. This marriage helped create a strong connection between the Doria and Arborea families.
Becoming a Ruler
Eleanor became the ruler of Arborea in 1383. This happened after her brother, Ugone, and his daughter were killed in a plot against them. She took over the leadership to protect her family and her people.
In 1392, Eleanor made an important rule. She protected bird nests from hunters. This was one of the first times in history that such a law existed. Because of this, a type of bird called the Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae) was named after her. Eleanor and her family also enjoyed hunting with falcons.
Her Famous Laws
Eleanor is most famous for creating a set of laws called the Carta de Logu. This means "Charter of Law." These laws were used in Sardinia from 1395 until 1827. The Carta de Logu was very modern for its time. It combined old Roman laws with new ideas. It also included local Sardinian customs.
This law code made Eleanor known as one of the first lawmakers to set fair rules for dealing with people from other countries. It also made it a crime for officials to misuse their power.
Legacy and Death
Eleanor died in 1404 from the plague. After her death, the Judicate of Arborea slowly became weaker. However, her legacy as a strong ruler and lawmaker lived on.
Tributes
Some old sculptures, called reliefs, in the church of San Gavino Monreale might show the only true portraits of Eleanor. These sculptures are located near the castle of Monreale in Sardara. They may also show her father Marianus IV, her brother Ugone III, and her husband Brancaleone Doria.
Today, there is a statue of Eleanor in Piazza Eleonora in Oristano. It shows her holding the Carta de Logu.
See also
In Spanish: Leonor de Arborea para niños
