Portugal, (second) County of
Substate | Defunct
1095 CE to 1143 CE
The former Kingdom of Galicia, including the Portugal and Coimbra, had been given by Alfonso VI as a county to his son-in-law Raymond of Burgundy.
However, concern for Raymond's growing power leads Alfonso in 1096 to separate Portugal and Coimbra from Galicia and grant them to another son-in-law, Henry of Burgundy, wed to Alfonso VI's illegitimate daughter Theresa.
Henry chooses Braga as the base for this newly formed county, the Condado Portucalense, know at the time as Terra Portucalense or Província Portucalense, which will last until Portugal achieves its independence, recognized by the Kingdom of León in 1143.
Its territory includes much of the current Portuguese territory between the Minho River and the Tagus River.
Capital
Worlds
The Atlantic Lands
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The Final Stages of the Portuguese Reconquista (1185–1249 CE)
The Portuguese Reconquista progresses under the successive reigns of Sancho I, Afonso II, Sancho II, and Afonso III, gradually pushing the Muslim frontier southward until Portugal reaches its modern territorial limits.
Sancho I (r. 1185–1211) and Early Southern Campaigns
As the son and heir of Afonso Henriques, Sancho I continues his father’s military campaigns, expanding Portuguese control in the Algarve:
- 1189 – Sancho captures the castle at Alvor, the city of Silves, and the castle at Albufeira.
- However, these territories are soon retaken by the Muslims, requiring future monarchs to reconquer them.
Afonso II (r. 1211–1223) and the Battle of Navas de Tolosa
Sancho I’s son, Afonso II, launches new campaigns in the Alentejo, with the support of his brother-in-law, Alfonso VIII of Castile:
- 1212 – Afonso II participates in the Battle of Navas de Tolosa, a decisive Christian victory that weakens Muslim power in Iberia.
- 1217 – He takes part in the siege and conquest of Alcácer do Sal, one of the largest strongholds in the Alentejo.
Sancho II (r. 1223–1248) and the Algarve Campaigns
Under Sancho II, the Reconquista advances into the Algarve, where major battles take place:
- 1238 – His forces defeat Muslim armies at Tavira and Cacela, further expanding Portuguese control southward.
Afonso III (r. 1248–1279) and the Final Conquest
The final stage of the Reconquista occurs under Afonso III, who:
- 1249 – Launches a campaign against the last Muslim enclave in the Algarve, capturing Faro and securing Portugal’s southern coastline.
This last battle officially completes the Portuguese Reconquista, defining the territorial boundaries of Portugal, which have remained largely unchanged ever since.
Afonso Henriques' Path to Kingship (1139–1143 CE)
Following the Peace of Tuy (1137) with Alfonso VII of León, Afonso Henriques redirects his attention southward to confront the Muslim threat.
The Battle of Ourique (1139) and the Assumption of Kingship
- In 1139, Afonso Henriques leads a deep raid into Al-Andalus, engaging and defeating a Muslim army at Ourique, in the Alentejo.
- Following this decisive victory, he begins to be referred to in official documents as King of Portugal, marking his first assertion of independence from León.
Conflict with Alfonso VII and the Joust at Arcos de Valdevez (1140 CE)
- In 1140, Afonso renews his claim to southern Galicia and invades the region, prompting a military response from Alfonso VII, who marches his army into Portugal.
- The two forces meet at Arcos de Valdevez, where they engage in a tournament-style joust—a contest ultimately won by the Portuguese knights.
- This symbolic Portuguese victory reinforces Afonso’s claim to political and military legitimacy.
Recognition of Portugal at the Conference of Zamora (1143 CE)
- In 1143, Afonso Henriques' self-proclaimed title of king is formally recognized at the Conference of Zamora.
- Alfonso VII, who has declared himself Emperor of Spain, acknowledges Afonso as King of Portugal, though still considering him a vassal of the empire.
This event marks the first diplomatic recognition of Portugal as an independent kingdom, paving the way for its full sovereignty, which will be confirmed by papal recognition in 1179.
Afonso Henriques: The Founder of Portugal and the Greatest Christian Conqueror of His Time
A brilliant military commander, Afonso Henriques reconquers more Muslim territory than any other Christian king in Iberia during his reign. His campaigns push the Christian frontier southward, shaping the future Kingdom of Portugal.
Early Expansion and the Establishment of Coimbra as the Capital
- By 1135, Afonso begins securing his newly independent territory, constructing a castle at Leiria as part of his strategy to defend against Muslim incursions.
- He establishes Coimbra as his capital, reinforcing its importance as a political and military stronghold.
The Siege and Conquest of Lisbon (1147 CE)
In 1147, Afonso Henriques capitalizes on internal religious rebellions among the Muslims. With the assistance of a passing fleet of English, Flemish, and German Crusaders, en route to Palestine, he launches a seventeen-week siege of Lisbon, which culminates in the city’s capture.
Expansion into the Alentejo and Papal Recognition
- Taking advantage of continued Muslim infighting and Lisbon’s strategic location, Afonso secures large portions of the Alentejo, advancing south of the Tagus River.
- His relentless military successes lead to official papal recognition in 1179, when Pope Alexander IIIacknowledges Afonso Henriques as King of Portugal. The pope grants him all conquered lands that neighboring kings cannot prove rights over, securing Portugal’s sovereignty.
Legacy: The Birth of a Kingdom
By the time of his death in 1185, Afonso Henriques has carved out an officially recognized Christian kingdom, extending well into Muslim Iberia. His military genius and strategic alliances establish Portugal as a lasting independent monarchy, laying the foundation for its future role in the Age of Exploration.
The Repopulation of Portugal Under Afonso Henriques and Sancho I
The rapid military expansion of Afonso Henriques, from Coimbra to Lisbon, creates a vast and relatively uninhabited frontier between the north and south of Portugal. To secure these lands and reinforce Christian rule, an immediate repopulation effort begins.
Repopulating the Land with Crusaders and Foreign Settlers
- After the siege of Lisbon in 1147, Afonso Henriques invites many Crusaders to stay in Portugal as settlers. As payment for their military service, they receive land grants, particularly in Atouguia and Lourinhã.
- His successor, Sancho I ("O Povoador"—The Populator), dedicates much of his reign to settling the newly expanded kingdom.
- He actively recruits foreign settlers, especially from Burgundy, his ancestral homeland, sending agents to attract colonists to resettle in Portugal.
Strategic Settlements and Their Impact
- One of the most notable settlements is Vila dos Francos (modern-day Azambuja), which becomes a key hub for Burgundian colonists.
- These new Christian communities spread rapidly, benefiting from royal protection.
- Sancho I sees these settlements not only as a means to populate the kingdom but also as a strategy to reduce the power of the nobility, strengthening royal authority over the realm.
Through these efforts, Portugal transitions from a militarized frontier into a stable, growing monarchy, paving the way for its continued expansion and consolidation.