The Kings of Portugal

The Kings of Portugal

Portugal emerged in the twelfth century, as a direct result of the Christian conquest of Iberia. Originally governed by the kingdoms of Castile and Leon, Portugal's separation began when Henry of Burgundy was appointed Count of Portugal in 1095. By 1139 Henry's son, Alfonso Henriques, was calling himself king of Portugal, and in 1179 a Pope recognised the legitimacy of this new country.