← Explore on the interactive map

Afonso VI (Portugal)

Type Figure Region Portugal Time 1643–1683 Also known as Afonso VI、Afonso VI of Portugal

Afonso VI (1643–1683), king of Portugal from 1656, was unfit to rule; he was deposed in 1667 and imprisoned until his death in 1683.

Timeline

  1. 1656–1662Lisbon · PortugalAfter succeeding at the age of thirteen he was placed under the regency of his mother Luisa de Guzmán, with government affairs run by ministers such as Castelo Melhor; the king's epilepsy and physical disability made it difficult for him to take part in government.
  2. 1662–1667Lisbon · PortugalIn 1662 he declared himself of age and took personal rule, but his erratic behaviour and reliance on unworthy favourites allowed his brother Pedro gradually to take actual power. In the 1660s Portugal took part in the Restoration War, with border conflict against Spain continuing.
  3. 1667–1683Sintra · PortugalIn November 1667 he was deposed by the Cortes, and his brother Pedro became regent. Afonso was held under house arrest at Sintra and elsewhere, died in captivity in 1683, and Pedro II subsequently formally succeeded to the throne.

Sources