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Joanna of Austria

Type Figure Region Portugal Time 1535–1573 Also known as Queen Joanna of Portugal

Joanna of Austria (1535–1573), daughter of Emperor Ferdinand I and sister of Philip II, married the Portuguese heir in 1552 and became queen of Portu…

Timeline

  1. 1561–1570Lisbon · PortugalAs queen she took part in state affairs at the Lisbon court, supported Catholic reform measures and the Jesuits' expansion in Portugal, and exercised regency influence during King Sebastian's minority and the preparation of overseas expeditions.
  2. 1568–1570Lisbon · PortugalThrough letters and envoys she maintained close contact with Philip II's court in Madrid, coordinating Portuguese and Spanish royal interests amid the Dutch crisis and Mediterranean wars, and consolidating the family alliance that preceded the union of the crowns in 1580.

Sources