Political Women in the High Middle Ages: Berenguela of Castile and Her Family

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.