Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

by Yuval Noah Harari

A good example is the family of King Edward I of England (1237–1307) and his wife, Queen Eleanor (1241–90). Their children enjoyed the best conditions and the most nurturing surroundings that could be provided in medieval Europe. They lived in palaces, ate as much food as they liked, had plenty of warm clothing, well-stocked fireplaces, the cleanest water available, an army of servants and the best doctors. The sources mention sixteen children that Queen Eleanor bore between 1255 and 1284: 1. An anonymous daughter, born in 1255, died at birth. 2. A daughter, Catherine, died either at age one or age three. 3. A daughter, Joan, died at six months. 4. A son, John, died at age five. 5. A son, Henry, died at age six. 6. A daughter, Eleanor, died at age twenty-nine. 7. An anonymous daughter died at five months. 8. A daughter, Joan, died at age thirty-five. 9. A son, Alphonso, died at age ten. 10. A daughter, Margaret, died at age fifty-eight. 11. A daughter, Berengeria, died at age two. 12. An anonymous daughter died shortly after birth. 13. A daughter, Mary, died at age fifty-three. 14. An anonymous son died shortly after birth. 15. A daughter, Elizabeth, died at age thirty-four. 16. A son, Edward.