Kings & Queens of Portugal

Portugal was formed as part of the Reconquista from the Moors of the Iberian peninsula during the 9^th – 15^th centuries. The state of Portugal was founded on 28^th June 1128, pronounced a kingdom in 1139, recognised by neighbouring Castile in 1143 and by the Pope in 1179.

By 1249, the remaining Moorish population had been driven out, or assimilated. During the 15^th and 16^th centuries, Portugal with its orientation towards the Atlantic, was a leader in exploration, preferring to concentrate on developing its colonies abroad, rather than involvement in European struggles. Portuguese explorers, then traders and settlers, took territory in the South American continent, India and Asia.

The Kings of Portugal in the period 1385 – 1581 were from the House of Aviz, founded by Joao (John I), an illegitimate son of his predecessor. Joao I married Philippa of Lancaster, grand-daughter of Edward III of England, and the relevant treaty, that of Windsor, is still in force today.

There were frequent intermarriages with neighbouring Castile, and Aragon, and, in 1581 on the death of the last male of the Aviz family, there was a dispute between the illegitimate Antonio, Prince of Crato, and Philip II of Spain, son of Isabella of Portugal, for the throne.

Unsurprisingly, Spain won the contest, and for 60 years the countries were bound together.