Eleanor of Portugal, Holy Roman Empress facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleanor of Portugal |
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Portrait, probably by Hans Burgkmair the Elder
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| Tenure | 19 March 1452 – 3 September 1467 |
| Coronation | 19 March 1452 |
| Born | 18 September 1434 Torres Vedras |
| Died | 3 September 1467 (aged 32) Wiener Neustadt |
| Burial | Wiener Neustadt |
| Spouse | Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Issue more... |
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| House | Aviz |
| Father | Edward, King of Portugal |
| Mother | Eleanor of Aragon |
Eleanor of Portugal (born 18 September 1434 – died 3 September 1467) was an important figure in European history. She became the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire. Eleanor was a Portuguese infanta, which means she was a princess. Her parents were King Edward of Portugal and Eleanor of Aragon. She married Frederick III and became his empress. She was also the mother of Maximilian I, who later became a Holy Roman Emperor himself.
Early Life in Portugal
Eleanor was born in a place called Torres Vedras on September 18, 1434. She was one of nine children born to King Edward and Queen Eleanor of Aragon. She was the third daughter, but her two older sisters passed away when they were very young. This made Eleanor the oldest surviving daughter in her family.
When Eleanor was almost four years old, her father, King Edward, died. Her brother, Afonso V, became the new king. Their mother, Queen Eleanor, became the regent, meaning she ruled the country until Afonso was old enough. A few months later, Eleanor's mother had another daughter named Joan.
In 1440, Eleanor's mother had to leave Portugal and go to Castile. This happened after a disagreement with her brother-in-law, Peter, Duke of Coimbra, about who should be in charge of young King Afonso. Eleanor stayed behind in Portugal because she was not well at the time.
Becoming Empress
Eleanor's aunt, Isabella of Portugal, Duchess of Burgundy, probably suggested that Eleanor marry. Her uncle, Alfonso V, who was King of Aragon and Naples, helped arrange the marriage. In 1448, he even sent artists to Portugal to paint Eleanor's portrait.
Eleanor was also considered as a possible wife for Louis, who was the Dauphin of France (the French prince). However, Eleanor preferred to marry Frederick. She wanted to be an empress, which she would become by marrying him, rather than just a queen. The marriage plans were finalized in 1451 in Naples.
Her journey by sea to Italy was quite difficult. The ships carrying Eleanor faced pirates and bad storms. There were even rumors that she had been lost at sea! Finally, Eleanor and Frederick met in Sienna. It is said that Frederick looked very pale when he saw her. He was excited by her beauty, but also worried because she looked very slender and delicate.
The wedding ceremony took place in Rome. Eleanor's uncle, the King of Naples, hosted grand celebrations.
Life as Empress
Eleanor and Frederick were quite different people and their marriage was not always happy. Eleanor was ambitious and strong-willed. She enjoyed dancing, gambling, and hunting, but Frederick did not share these interests. This made their relationship difficult.
Frederick sent most of Eleanor's Portuguese helpers back home after the wedding. This was because of the high cost of keeping them. Eleanor often felt homesick. During a time when Vienna was under siege, people had to eat unusual things like rats and cats to survive. Eleanor was known for trying to keep everyone's spirits up during this hard time.
Some historical writings suggest that Eleanor came from a very grand and luxurious court in Portugal. She then moved to a much simpler life in Vienna because her husband, Frederick, was very careful with money.
Marriage and Children
Eleanor married Frederick III in Rome on March 16, 1452. Just three days later, on March 19, 1452, they were both crowned Emperor and Empress. This special ceremony was performed by Pope Nicholas V at St. Peter's Basilica.
Eleanor's dowry (the money and goods she brought to the marriage) was very helpful to Frederick. He used it to solve some of his money problems and make his power stronger. Frederick III was the last emperor to be crowned in Rome.
Eleanor and Frederick had five children together:
- Archduke Christoph (born November 16, 1455 – died March 21, 1456)
- Archduke Maximilian (born March 22, 1459 – died January 12, 1519). He later became Holy Roman Emperor.
- Archduchess Helena (born November 3, 1460 – died February 28, 1461)
- Archduchess Kunigunde (born March 16, 1465 – died August 6, 1520). She married Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria.
- Archduke Johannes (born August 9, 1466 – died February 10, 1467)
Eleanor passed away in Wiener Neustadt on September 3, 1467. She is buried in the Cistercian abbey called Neukloster. Her tombstone is still a very important feature in the church today.
See also
- In Spanish: Leonor de Portugal (1434-1467) para niños
