The Duchy of Aquitaine was a significant historical region in southwestern France, known for its rich culture and strategic importance. Established in the early Middle Ages, it became a powerful duchy under the rule of the Plantagenets, particularly during the reign of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who married both Louis VII of France and Henry II of England. Aquitaine was characterized by its diverse population and economic prosperity, largely due to its fertile lands and trade routes. The duchy played a crucial role in the political landscape of medieval Europe, influencing conflicts and alliances between the French and English crowns.