← Explore on the interactive map

John IV of Portugal

Type Figure Region Portugal Time 1604–1656 Also known as John of Braganza

John IV (1604–1656), founder of the Braganza dynasty, formerly Duke of Braganza;…

Timeline

  1. 1604–1640Vila Viçosa · PortugalBorn into the Braganza family at the end of the Avis dynasty, he inherited the ducal title and maintained local power in his lands under Spanish rule, gradually becoming a symbolic leader of the Portuguese national independence movement.
  2. 1640–1656Lisbon · PortugalCrowned in December 1640, he led the Restoration War against Spain, reorganized the privy council and overseas trade system, and allied with England and France. In declining health in later years, from 1651 to 1656 he continued consolidating independence and arranging the succession of his children.

Sources