Afonso V of Portugal

Alfonso V (Dom Afonso V), called "the Africans" (O Africano ), ( * January 15, 1432 in Sintra, † August 28, 1481 ibid ) from the house of Avis was from 1438 to 1481, the twelfth King of Portugal. He reigned from 1449 to his death.

Life

Alfonso V was born as the son of Edward I of Portugal and his wife Eleanor of Aragon. Since his father died early, Alfonso ascended age of six years the Portuguese throne. The regency for him, first led his mother, then his uncle, Peter of Portugal, Duke of Coimbra, which should be his father. After Alfonso V had reached the age of majority, but Peter was not willing to hand over the reign of Alfonso. Alfonso's mother, a native of Aragon Princess, Alfons finally gave the support of their home country. With this help Alfonso defeated in 1449 his uncle and father in the Battle of Alfarrobeira, Peter of Portugal died in the battle, and Alfonso V was able to climb the Portuguese throne.

Alfonso V was now the undisputed ruler of the country. However, he had this victory by a strengthening of the position of the nobility, represented especially by the Duke of Braganza, paid at the expense of the central royal power. Alfonso's reign was marked by further attempt to regain the lost influence again.

In 1451 he succeeded his sister Leonore with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III. to marry out of the house of Habsburg.

During this time, the discoveries Henry continued the sailor, Alfons which promoted strongly. 1440 a trading post was established on the island of Arguin off the coast of West Africa, and Portugal rose in the slave trade a. With the bull Dum diversas Pope Nicholas V entrusted on January 8, 1455 King Alfonso V to lead Henry the Navigator and their descendants sovereignty over the whole of Africa, the sole maritime law there, the trade monopoly and the right to non-believers into slavery. 1456 Cape Verde was discovered and handed over to the Order of Christ on behalf of Portugal for colonization. 1460 Guinea was reached.

In foreign policy, engaged Alfonso V mainly in the north of Africa. But originally he had other plans. After Constantine Opel had fallen and the Turks in 1456 stood in front of Belgrade, was Pope Calixtus III. called for a new crusade against the Muslims. Alfonso V promised the Pope to participate with a troop of 12,000 men in the crusade. Because of the death of Pope Calixtus III. in 1458 the crusade, however, never took place. However, since the promised army in Portugal had been dug already under great financial efforts directed Alfonso V of this army now on the African continent. 1471 fell Tangier. Alfonso V then extended his royal title to reaffirm his claim on the North African territories ( Rei de Portugal e do Algarve, Senhor de septa, Mr. d' Alcacere em Africa ) which gives its nickname " the Africans" earned.

Died in 1474 his brother, King Henry IV of Castile. Alfonso V then grabbed an active part in the fight for the Castilian throne. In 1464 he had the hand of the princess Isabella, a sister of the late Henry IV advertised. After these plans, however, had broken up, he married Joan, the daughter of Henry IV, and then supported their throne claims against Isabella.

In the battle of Toro Portugal was defeated by the Catholic Monarchs, however, and the Portuguese claims to the throne of Castile were shot blocked. Alfonso V went in consequence to Nancy in France, where he tried in vain to King Louis XI. to bring to his side and move it to intervene against Castile. With the defeat of Toro difficult dejected and depressed, he toyed with the idea to resign and not return from France to Portugal. He wanted to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, King Louis XI. but was persuaded to return to his own land him. In the Peace of Alcaçovas Alfonso V had for himself and his wife all claims to the Castilian throne give up, however, was awarded by Spain freedom of action in North Africa guaranteed. In his last years the king became increasingly depressed and ailing, wanted to abdicate again, but died before the plague.

Family

He was married in first marriage in 1447 with Isabel of Portugal, daughter of the Prince Regent of Portugal Peter. From this marriage three children were born:

• Johann (* January 29, 1451, † 1455 )
• Joan of Portugal (* February 6, 1452, † March 12, 1490 )
• John II, the severity (* May 3, 1455, † October 25, 1495 )

His second wife was married in 1475 to Johanna of Castile, daughter of King Henry IV of Castile.