Manuel I of Portugal

Manuel I, known as the Fortunate, was King of Portugal from 1495 to 1521. He was a member of the House of Aviz and became king after his cousin, John II of Portugal. During his time as king, Portugal made many important discoveries and expanded its empire around the world.

Manuel supported explorers like Vasco da Gama, who found a sea route to India in 1498. This helped Portugal control the spice trade and become very wealthy. Manuel also began the colonization of lands in the Americas and India, creating a large trade empire across Africa and Asia.

He created a special group called the Casa da Índia to manage Portugal's trade and expansion. Manuel helped many famous navigators and used the money from trade to support artists and writers. Because of his support, the Portuguese Renaissance produced many great works of art and literature. The Manueline style of architecture, which is now considered Portugal's national style, is named after him.

Early life

Manuel was born in Alcochete on 31 May 1469. He was the ninth child of Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu and Beatriz of Portugal. His father was related to past kings, and his mother was also from a royal family. Manuel grew up during a time when there were conflicts among noble families and the king.

In 1483, a powerful noble leader was executed, and in 1484, Manuel's older brother was accused of plotting against the king and was killed. After these events, the king chose Manuel to be the next heir. Manuel became king of Portugal in 1495 when his cousin, King John II, passed away.

Reign

Imperial expansion

Main articles: Portuguese discoveries and Portuguese Empire

Manuel was a good leader who helped Portugal grow during his time as king. He supported trips across the Atlantic Ocean and trade. Important events during his rule include:

• In 1498, Vasco da Gama found a sea route to India.
• In 1500, Pedro Álvares Cabral reached Brazil.
• In 1505, forts were built in places like Kilwa and Sofala by Francisco de Almeida.

These discoveries brought wealth to Portugal through trade and helped build a large empire. Manuel used this wealth to build grand buildings and invite artists to his court. He also made treaties with China and other countries.

Judicial reform

Manuel ruled with strong control, and the kingdom's meetings happened only a few times. He changed the laws and updated how taxes worked. He also made new rules called the Manueline Ordinances.

Religious policy

Manuel cared deeply about his faith and sent missionaries to new lands. He also built important religious buildings like the Monastery of Jerónimos. He tried to organize a big fight against enemies of Christianity.

At first, he made life easier for Jewish people, but later he was pressured to force them to change their religion or leave. He also asked Spain to stop allowing Muslim practices in their country.

Family

King Manuel I lost his first wife, Isabella, when she died during childbirth. Their young son, Miguel da Paz, was named heir to several kingdoms, but he passed away at just two years old. This ended hopes of ruling in Spain.

Manuel then married Maria of Aragon, who was Isabella’s younger sister. Two of their sons later became kings of Portugal. After Maria died in 1517, Manuel married again, this time to her niece, Eleanor of Austria. Maria’s sisters, Joanna of Castile and Catherine of Aragon, also had important roles in history.

Honours

King Manuel I of Portugal received a special award called the Golden Rose twice. He first got it from Pope Julius II in 1506 and later from Pope Leo X in 1514. He was the first person ever to receive this award more than once, after Emperor Sigismund von Luxembourg.

Death

In December 1521, King Manuel I fell ill with a strong fever and passed away at the age of 52. He was succeeded by his son, John III of Portugal. His body was moved to the Belém district of Lisbon and was first buried at Restelo Church. Later, his remains were placed in the Jerónimos Monastery along with his second wife Maria of Aragon.

Genealogy

Ancestry

Marriages and Issue

See also: Descendants of Manuel I of Portugal

Manuel married three times. His wives were two daughters and one granddaughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.

• Isabella married Manuel from 30 September 1497 to 23 August 1498 but died while having a baby.
• Maria married Manuel from 30 October 1500 to 7 March 1517 and passed away after having a baby.
• Eleanor married Manuel from 16 July 1518 until he passed away on 13 December 1521. She lived longer than Manuel and later became Queen Consort of France.