Knowra House of Aviz House of Aviz The Portuguese dynasty that ruled from 1385 to 1580, beginning with John I after the 1383–1385 succession crisis. Its reign encompassed Portugal’s early maritime expansion and ended with the Iberian Union.
1383–1385 Portuguese Interregnum : A succession crisis and civil conflict in Portugal following the death of King Ferdinand I without a surviving male heir. The crisis created the opening through which John, Master of Aviz, claimed the throne.
Duarte of Portugal : King of Portugal from 1433 to 1438 and a writer on kingship and moral philosophy. His short reign followed John I and preceded a contested minority succession.
Portuguese maritime expansion : Portugal’s fifteenth- and sixteenth-century exploration, trade, conquest, and settlement across the Atlantic, African coast, and Indian Ocean. Aviz kings sponsored the voyages that began Portugal’s overseas expansion.
Battle of Alcácer Quibir : A 1578 battle in Morocco where Portuguese forces were defeated and King Sebastian disappeared. The king’s death without an heir exposed the weakness of the Aviz succession.
Battle of Aljubarrota : A 1385 battle in which Portuguese forces defeated a Castilian invasion near Aljubarrota. John I’s victory secured his position as king and helped preserve Portuguese independence.
Afonso V of Portugal : King of Portugal from 1438 to 1481, known for campaigns in North Africa and intervention in Castile. His reign extended Aviz power through war and dynastic claims.
Portuguese discovery of the sea route to India : The establishment of a direct maritime route from Europe to India by Vasco da Gama’s voyage of 1497–1499. The voyage, backed by Manuel I, turned exploration into a durable imperial trade connection.
Portuguese succession crisis of 1580 : A dispute over the Portuguese throne after the death of Cardinal-King Henry in 1580. The crisis concluded the House of Aviz’s rule and opened the way for Philip II of Spain.
John I of Portugal : King of Portugal from 1385 to 1433 and founder of the House of Aviz. His accession established the dynasty after the interregnum.
John II of Portugal : King of Portugal from 1481 to 1495 who strengthened royal authority and backed Atlantic exploration. His centralization and maritime policy prepared the way for the dynasty’s later expansion.
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