Affirmation of Portuguese Independence

Timeline

1. 1121–1126Coimbra · PortugalAfter Count Henrique died, his widow Teresa ruled the County of Portugal as regent but grew increasingly dependent on the Galician noble Fernão Pérez de Traba, provoking discontent among local Portuguese nobles. Her son Afonso Henriques gradually rallied an opposition faction seeking to throw off León-Galician control.
2. 1127Guimarães · PortugalIn September 1127 the newly enthroned Alfonso VII invaded Portugal, demanding that Teresa and Afonso Henriques acknowledge Leónese sovereignty. After the siege of Guimarães, Egas Moniz negotiated Alfonso VII's withdrawal, but northern Portugal north of the Minho was lost and Teresa's authority further weakened.
3. 1128Field of São Mamede · PortugalOn June 24, 1128, Afonso Henriques defeated the combined forces of Teresa and Fernão Pérez de Traba at the field of São Mamede near Guimarães. Teresa was exiled to Galicia, Afonso established effective rule over the County of Portugal, styling himself "Prince of the Portuguese," and set the process of independent state-building in motion.