Description of Me During Second Crusade

Sculpture of Amazon Queen Penthesilea

Here is a description of Eleanor as she traveled on the Second Crusade on the way to Constantinople. The account is given by Greek chronicler, Niketas Choniates.

"Even women traveled in the ranks of the crusaders, boldly sitting astride in their saddles as men do, dressed as men and armed with lance and battle axe. The kept a martial mien, bold as Amazons. At the head of these was one in particular, richly-dressed, who, because of the gold embroidery on the hem of her dress was nicknamed Chrysopus (Golden Foot). The elegance of her bearing and the freedom of her movements recalled Penthesilea, the celebrated leader of the amazons."