Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, boasts a rich history that spans millennia. From its ancient roots with the Celtic and Iberian tribes to its integration into the Roman Empire as Lusitania, the region has been a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. The establishment of the County of Portugal in 868 marked the beginning of its distinct identity, further solidified with the declaration of the Kingdom of Portugal by Afonso I in 1139. The nation played a pivotal role during the Age of Discovery, establishing a vast maritime empire that included territories in Africa, Asia, and South America. This period of exploration and expansion significantly shaped global trade and cultural exchanges. Despite periods of political turmoil, such as the Iberian Union with Spain and the Estado Novo dictatorship, Portugal emerged as a stable democratic republic, joining the European Union in 1986 and continuing to influence global affairs.
Historical Timeline Of Portugal
Ancient and Medieval Periods:
- 1st millennium BC: Celtic tribes intermarry with Iberians, forming the Celtiberians.
- 138-139 BC: The Romans, led by Decimus Junius Brutus, begin their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
- 27 BC: Augustus incorporates Lusitania (modern Portugal) into the Roman Empire.
- 409 AD: The Kingdom of the Suebi was established in Gallaecia (northwestern Iberia).
- 585 AD: The Visigoths conquer the Suebi kingdom, unifying the Iberian Peninsula.
- 711 AD: Umayyad Muslims conquer most of the Iberian Peninsula, establishing Al-Andalus.
- 868 AD: Vímara Peres reconquers Portus Cale (Porto) and establishes the County of Portugal under the Kingdom of Asturias.
Formation and Consolidation of the Kingdom:
- 1095: Henry of Burgundy is made Count of Portugal by Alfonso VI of León and Castile.
- 1139: Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) declares himself King of Portugal after the Battle of Ourique.
- 1179: The Papal Bull Manifestis Probatum recognizes Portugal as an independent kingdom.
- 1249: The Reconquista concludes with the capture of the Algarve, completing the territorial formation of Portugal.
Age of Discovery and Empire:
- 1415: Portugal captures Ceuta, beginning its maritime expansion.
- 1488: Bartolomeu Dias rounds the Cape of Good Hope.
- 1498: Vasco da Gama reaches India, establishing a sea route to Asia.
- 1500: Pedro Álvares Cabral discovers Brazil.
- 1580-1640: Portugal enters a dynastic union with Spain under the Iberian Union.
- 1640: The Portuguese Restoration War leads to the re-establishment of Portugal’s independence under King John IV.
Modern Period:
- 1755: The Great Lisbon Earthquake devastates the capital.
- 1807-1811: Napoleonic invasions lead the royal court to flee to Brazil, making Rio de Janeiro the temporary capital of the Portuguese Empire.
- 1822: Brazil declares independence from Portugal.
- 1910: The Portuguese monarchy is overthrown, and the First Portuguese Republic is established.
- 1926: A military coup establishes a dictatorship, leading to the Estado Novo regime under António de Oliveira Salazar.
- 1974: The Carnation Revolution peacefully overthrows the Estado Novo, restoring democracy.
- 1986: Portugal joins the European Economic Community (now the European Union).
- 1999: Portugal returns Macau to China, ending its era of overseas empire.
From the early conquests and the formation of a nation-state to its golden age of exploration and empire-building, Portugal has left an indelible mark on world history. The nation’s ability to recover from the devastation of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, navigate the challenges of the Napoleonic invasions, and transition from a monarchy to a republic and then to a democracy reflects its enduring spirit. Today, as a member of the European Union, Portugal continues to honour its rich heritage while contributing to the global community, showcasing a legacy of exploration, cultural exchange, and resilience.
