The work of the famous French historian Régine Pernu is dedicated to the personality of Eleanor of Aquitaine (c. 1121–1204), Duchess of Aquitaine, French and English queen, who played a fateful role in the medieval history of France and England. Eleanor was the embodiment of her turning point, known for turbulent wars, the rise of cities, economic development, and the formation of nation states. Her whole life resembles an adventurous novel - at different times she was the wife of two rivals, the kings of France and England, took part in the second crusade, led rebellions of the French and English nobility, and became famous for her ability in government. She ruled a huge conglomerate of lands that included England and a good half of France, and stood at the origins of the famous Anglo-French conflict, known as the Hundred Years' War. Her descendants, among whom are Richard I the Lionheart and Louis IX the Saint, were kings of England, France and Spain. Alienora's name became legendary during her lifetime.