2024

Historical Context 1433 – 1446

1. Duarte – A new era for Portugal

Although the crown was not destined to be his, D. Duarte ascended the throne as king of Portugal in 1433 after the death of his brother Afonso and the very mournful funeral ceremonies of his father, Dom João I.

Upon the capture of Ceuta, the Infante had taken charge of the kingdom’s affairs just as his father had ordered. In fact, this new stage was an era of absolute continuity in the governance and administration of the kingdom.

Reigning for only five years, he would bequeath upon his wife, Dona Leonor de Aragão, to be regent of the kingdom, while his son Afonso was a minor. But she was a woman, and also a foreigner, attributes that did not please most of Portuguese society.

And we see D. Duarte’s brothers – each one a protagonist of his time, a generation sung by the poets – to decide and take care of the kingdom, until the Infante, their nephew, comes of age.

Creators of a New Era for Portugal, the Infantes, each in their own way, played a decisive role in Portugal’s affirmation within the European kingdoms and the Holy See.