Afonso V of Portugal

Reign: 1438 – 1481
Life: 1432–1481

He was known as the African. The son of Edward, King of Portugal, and Eleanor of Aragon, Afonso acceded to the throne when he was only six years old. His early reign was marked by a struggle over the regency between his mother, Eleanor, and his uncle, Pedro, Duke of Coimbra. Pedro was appointed sole regent in 1439, but the Braganza faction at court continued to challenge his authority. His successful conquests of Alcácer-Ceguer, Arzila, and Tangiers earned him the sobriquet O Africano. Following the death of Henry IV of Castile in 1474, Afonso claimed the throne of Castile on behalf of his niece, Joanna la Beltraneja.

During Afonso V of Portugal's reign, Mehmed II ruled Ottoman Empire, Charles VII of France ruled France, and Henry VI of England ruled England.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire by A. R. Disney

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