She was queen of France and queen of England. A crusader, a prisoner, a leader. Accused of adultery and murder. Her decisions and descendants shaped history. 900 years ago, she believed women are inherently equal and able to govern empires - if only men would get out of the way. 

She was Eleanor of Aquitaine.

A Lady Among Lions is an hour-long serial biopic drama consisting of 5 seasons, each between 8 and 10 episodes, that depict the life and times of one of history’s most powerful, yet forgotten women.

SYNOPSIS:

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a protofeminist political and cultural force for 80 years of the 12th century.

When 13, the duchess marries King Louis VII of France hoping for love and a partnership of equals. After 15 years, two daughters and a journey to Jerusalem on Crusade, she decides she needs more. She divorces Louis and marries Henry, duke of Normandy, 9 years her junior.

Henry is soon king of England and the couple rule an empire spanning from Scotland to Spain. But deception, broken promises and conflicting priorities destroy their marriage and the lives of their 8 children, including kings Richard the Lionheart and ne’er do well John.

“Lock her up”? “#metoo” ? Not new stories by any means. Eleanor faced the same challenges as many female leaders today… After 900 years, far less has changed than we would imagine.