The First Dynasty

During the 11th century, a political community was constituted for the independence of the Portucalense County, led by the Burgundian Count Dom Henrique, who married the Castilian noble D. Teresa. It was the son of both, Dom Afonso Henriques, who, after several military conflicts and powerplays, called himself “king of the Portuguese”, fulfilling the purpose put forth by his father – the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal – which would be consolidated by his descendants and successors. In 1249, Dom Afonso III conquered the Algarve to Islam, putting an end to the Reconquista. This event was a fundamental milestone for the consolidation of Portuguese territory. Following this victory, Portugal is once again recognized as a kingdom by a power above all others: the Holy See.

From this date until 1383, the year of Dom Fernando’s premature death, Portugal was governed by five kings, mostly with long reigns, which helped consolidate and establish the recognition of this territory as a kingdom.

However, the social conflicts and politicians went on, brought about either by the crown, nobility or high clergy, or by the neighbouring kingdoms, many times culminating in serious military conflicts, or even in the Black Plague, which in 1348 devastated a large part of the territory’s population, with serious social and economic consequences.

The foundation and consolidation of the kingdom of Portugal during the First Dynasty – of Burgundy or Afonsina – is the motto for the recreation of the historical episodes that will mark the 25th edition of the Medieval Journey in the Land of Santa Maria, between August 3 and 14, 2022.