Portugal Turned 896!

On June 24, 1128, the Battle of São Mamede took place in Guimarães, a decisive milestone in the history of Portugal. This confrontation between forces led by D. Afonso Henriques and the troops of his mother, D. Teresa de Leão, culminated in the victory of the young prince, who became the first king of Portugal. This event is considered the foundation of the kingdom of Portugal.

Historical Context

At the beginning of the 12th century, the Iberian Peninsula was fragmented into several Christian and Muslim kingdoms. The County of Portucalense, ruled by D. Teresa and her lover Fernão Peres de Trava, faced internal and external tensions. D. Afonso Henriques, unhappy with the influence of the Travas in his mother's government, gathered support among the nobility of Portucalense and declared war against his mother's forces.

The Battle

The Battle of São Mamede took place near the Castle of Guimarães. The forces of D. Afonso Henriques, composed of loyal knights and soldiers from the County of Portucalense, faced the troops of D. Teresa. The battle was intense and decisive; D. Afonso Henriques' victory not only secured his leadership over the County, but also began the process of Portugal's independence from the Kingdom of León.

Aftermath

Following the victory at São Mamede, D. Afonso Henriques consolidated his power and began a series of military campaigns to expand and defend the territory of Portucalense. In 1139, after the Battle of Ourique, he declared himself King of Portugal. In 1179, Pope Alexander III officially recognized the Kingdom of Portugal, confirming the country's independence.

Legacy

The Battle of São Mamede is often considered the founding moment of Portugal. The spirit of independence and the courage demonstrated by D. Afonso Henriques are celebrated in Portuguese culture and history. Guimarães, where the battle took place, is known as the “Cradle of the Nation”, and Guimarães Castle is a national symbol of pride and identity.

Poem of Freedom

Oh, a clear day dawning in São Mamede,
Between spears and swords the fierce battle,
Defending the land with Lusitanian blood,
A valiant king and leader emerges Afonso Henriques.

The forces met in a clamor of pain,
Mother and son in combat, a fierce destiny,
But the young prince with ardor and vigor,
In Guimarães became the first among us.

Freedom was forged in the brave,
In green fields, under the blue sky,
The Kingdom of Portugal sprang up there,
With Afonso Henriques, the pinnacle of courage.

Thus was born the nation that the sea embraces,
On that holy and memorable day,
Portugal, an eternal nation that never tires,
Of honoring its heroes, immortal history.