03/16/1452 AD married

Eleanor's marriage partner was likely suggested by her aunt Isabella of Portugal, Duchess of Burgundy. Arrangements were made by Eleanor's maternal uncle Alfonso V, King of Aragon and Naples, who, in 1448, sent artists from his court to paint Eleanor.

Eleanor was also suggested as a marriage partner for Louis, Dauphin of France, the eldest son of King Charles VII, but she herself preferred to marry Frederick, because a match with him would give her the title of empress instead of queen.

The practical negotiations were made in Naples and completed in 1451.

During the sea travel, the fleet escorting Eleanor to Italy was tormented by pirates and storms, and there were rumours that she had been lost at sea.

Eleanor and Frederick met in Sienna: Frederick was said to have paled when he saw her, partly out of excitement for her beauty, but also out of worry that she would have troubles giving birth because of her slender and frail appearance.

Eleanor and Frederick were dissimilar and never happy. She was an ambitious and willful woman who frequently participated in intrigues, whereas the emperor was a sober and uninspiring man.

Her interest in dancing, gambling and hunting was not shared by Frederick, and their relationship was affected by their differences.

Frederick sent Eleanor's vast Portuguese entourage home after the wedding because of the cost, and she suffered from homesickness.

He also blamed her for causing the death of several of their children by letting them eat Portuguese food, and therefore took over the upbringing of the remaining children entirely for himself.

Rome

Lattitude: 41.9028° N
Longitude: 12.4964° E
Region: Europe

Modern Day Italy

Events in 1452 MORE