Sebastian of Portugal

Sebastian I was king of Portugal from 1557 until his death in 1578. His disappearance at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir without an heir precipitated a succession crisis and later inspired the belief that he would return.

John III of Portugal: John III was king of Portugal from 1521 to 1557 and Sebastian’s grandfather. His death left Sebastian, then three years old, as Portugal’s king.
Battle of Alcácer Quibir: The 1578 battle in Morocco pitted a Portuguese expedition and its allies against the Saadian sultanate. Sebastian was killed or disappeared during this disastrous campaign.
Henry, King of Portugal: Henry I was king of Portugal from 1578 to 1580 and Sebastian’s great-uncle. He succeeded Sebastian but died without resolving the question of the next heir.
Catherine, Duchess of Braganza: Catherine, Duchess of Braganza, was a Portuguese noblewoman and claimant to the throne in 1580. Her dynastic claim competed with Philip II’s during the succession crisis.
Joanna of Austria, Princess of Portugal: Joanna of Austria was a Habsburg princess who served as regent for her infant brother, Sebastian. She governed Portugal during Sebastian’s minority before returning to Spain.
Abu Abdallah Mohammed II: Abu Abdallah Mohammed II was a Saadian claimant to the Moroccan throne who sought Portuguese military support. Sebastian’s campaign aimed to restore him to power in Morocco.
Philip II of Spain: Philip II was king of Spain from 1556 and became king of Portugal in 1580. His claim prevailed after Sebastian’s disappearance and Henry’s death.
Ranuccio I Farnese: Ranuccio I Farnese was an Italian prince whose Portuguese ancestry gave him a claim to the throne in 1580. His claim illustrates how distant dynastic descent complicated the succession.
Catherine of Austria, Queen of Portugal: Catherine of Austria was queen consort of Portugal and regent during Sebastian’s minority. His grandmother shared the regency and influenced the court that raised him.
Abd al-Malik I of Morocco: Abd al-Malik I was a Saadian sultan of Morocco from 1576 to 1578. His forces defeated Sebastian’s army at Alcácer Quibir.

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