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 grew 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 started to settle lands in the Americas and India, building 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 sailors and used money from trade to support artists and writers. Because of his support, the Portuguese Renaissance created many great works of art and literature. The Manueline style of architecture, now 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 when there were conflicts among noble families and the king.

In 1483, a powerful noble leader was executed. 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. 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.

Family

King Manuel I lost his first wife, Isabella, when she died during childbirth. Their son, Miguel da Paz, was very young when he died. Manuel then married Maria of Aragon, Isabella’s sister. Two of their sons became kings of Portugal. After Maria died, Manuel married Eleanor of Austria. Maria’s sisters, Joanna of Castile and Catherine of Aragon, were also important 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 to receive this award more than once, after Emperor Sigismund von Luxembourg.

Death

In December 1521, King Manuel I became very sick and passed away at the age of 52. His son, John III of Portugal, became the new king. His body was taken to the Belém district in Lisbon and was first buried at Restelo Church. Later, he was moved to the Jerónimos Monastery with his 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 but sadly died while having a baby.
• Maria married Manuel and passed away after having a baby.
• Eleanor married Manuel and lived longer than him. She later became Queen Consort of France.