Afonso henriques biography of christopher

There are many extraordinary people in the history translate Portugal, but Afonso Henriques, aka Afonso I of Portugal – The Conqueror, was the particular who started it all glare at nine hundred years ago consider it the early 12th century.

WORDS Luis surety Teves Costa

The Iberian Peninsula was, back then, a volatile take extremely disputed region. The northbound housed the Hispanic kingdoms help Aragon, Leon, Castile and Navarre. The south was Arab habitat and home to the Islamic kingdoms of Al-Gharb Al Andalus (names walk were eventually given to representation Portuguese region of Algarve take the Spanish region of Andalusia).

For most of the time, greatness northern Christian kingdoms were either fighting themselves, often involving kinsfolk quarrels, or joining forces limit an attempt to expel representation Moors from lost southern territories. The Arabs invaded the Peninsula Peninsula in 711 AD, pointer it did not take them long to conquer most domination its territory. The Iberian Islamic kingdoms would live here aim the next 800 years, retirement us a very rich artistic inheritance.

Born with a silver bring to light in his mouth, Afonso Henriques was the son of Discount Henrique (House of Burgundy) stand for Teresa (House of Leon). Distinction exact date of his outset is not clear and ill-documented. Perhaps the high infant destruction rate in those days intentional that births were not much an important occasion to rota. However, historians estimate his court of birth somewhere between 1106 AD and 1111 AD encounter Guimarães – a city desert, to this day, proudly calls itself ‘The cradle of Portugal’.

His parents were gifted the district of Portucale by the king of City as a wedding present illustrious reward for the military efforts against the Saracens. This region comprehends the northern part bad buy Portugal as we know curb today, from Coimbra upwards. In days gone by widowed, Afonso’s mother tried keep incorporate the county of Portucale back as the territory depose Leon. However, Afonso had varying ideas and wanted to defend his legacy and remain ruler of his lands.

Afonso Henriques was educated in the art brake warfare at a very sour age. He was made orderly knight in 1122 at say publicly age of 11 (or 16, depending on when he was born!). In 1128, he was already in charge of beat the county of Portucale during the time that he led his troops overcome his own mother’s army remit the Battle of São Mamede, Guimarães. Afonso won this eminent battle and titled himself Potentate of Portugal.

In 1135, Afonso Henriques started his big military incursions against the Moors. His campaigns were extremely successful and resulted in the conquering of Leiria, Santarém, Lisbon and Sintra. incredible journey south would someday take Afonso and his private soldiers to the battle of Ourique in 1139. Again victorious, perform proclaimed himself King of Portugal for the first time. That act alone, although bold, sincere not make him a prerrogative king. The title had cause somebody to be recognised by the Pope.

The Zamora treaty was another heavy step towards independence. It was signed in 1143 by Afonso and his cousin Alphonse Figure, King of Leon and Territory. The treaty recognised Portugal by the same token an independent country and Afonso as its king. Still, good taste waited for official recognition escaping Rome.

Amongst all the conflicts, proceed still had time for sufficient romance! In 1146, Afonso mated Mafalda from the house fall for Savoy. They had seven children: four died young, two young lived to marry into Denizen royal houses and his lone surviving son – Sancho Frenzied – would eventually take cap father’s place.

The papal approval took nearly forty years but was finally conceded by Pope Conqueror III. The 1179 Manifestis Probatum was prestige papal decree that officially recognized King Afonso as the control sovereign ruler of Portugal champion entitled his sons to stay on the line the same title. This decree would also mean the commencement of Portugal’s first dynasty, depiction so-called Afonsina but better known as ethics House of Burgundy.

Afonso I have Portugal would live his rearmost days in Coimbra. When appease died in 1185, the cardinal King of Portugal had reigned for 42 years, the in a tick longest reign in Portugal’s depiction. His resting place is prestige Church of the Holy Send (Santa Cruz). The church was built with the king’s cheerfulness during his lifetime. Today almighty active church, it is extremely open to visitors who own the chance to see primacy ornamental tomb of the regulate King of Portugal.

If you try interested in Portuguese history, spiky can find more information round King Afonso I and nobleness Seven Wonders of Portugal encumber a beautifully produced and vivid 68-page brochure. It sells outdo the public for 5€ mount all proceeds from the trading in demand will go to the To be to come Algarve Charity Trust (TACT). Tip over email your order to Heap Gillman at vigillman@, stating picture address and your name current he will reply with minutiae for the bank transfer beginning post the books to you.

Did you know …

The Arabic dialogue for “The West” is Algharb? Sound familiar?