John II Twice King of Portugal and the Algarve Date of Birth: 03.03.1455 Country: Portugal

1. Early Life
2. First Reign and Abdication
3. Second Reign
4. Consolidation of Royal Authority
5. Exploration and Expansion
6. Plots and Assassination
7. Family and Legacy
8. Death and Succession

Early Life

João II of Portugal, also known as João the Perfect, was born at the Paço das Alcáçovas, within São Jorge Castle, on November 3, 1455. He was the son of Afonso V of Portugal and Isabella of Coimbra.

First Reign and Abdication

João II initially ascended to the throne briefly in 1477 upon his father's abdication. However, Afonso V soon returned and João relinquished power back to him.

Second Reign

After Afonso V's death in 1481, João II became king once again. During his second reign, he set out to consolidate royal authority and reduce the power of the nobility.

Consolidation of Royal Authority

João II established a commission to review land grants and privileges given to the nobility by previous kings. This move sparked resistance from the powerful Duke of Bragança, leading to his arrest and execution for treason in 1483. The king also uncovered a plot by the Duke of Viseu, his brother-in-law, to assassinate him and executed him as well.

Exploration and Expansion

Under João II's patronage, Portuguese exploration and discovery reached new heights. Diogo Cão reached the mouth of the Congo River, and Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope. João II's goal was to find a sea route to India that circumvented Africa.

Plots and Assassination

Throughout his reign, João II faced several plots and assassination attempts. His ruthless response to these threats instilled fear among the nobility. In 1484, he personally stabbed the Duke of Viseu to death after being alerted to his plans.

Family and Legacy

In 1471, João II married Eleanor of Viseu. Their son, Afonso, was the heir to the throne but died in a riding accident in 1491. João II had an illegitimate son, Jorge, Duke of Coimbra, with his mistress Ana de Mendonça.

Death and Succession

In 1494, after Christopher Columbus's westward voyage, João II signed the Treaty of Tordesillas with Spain, dividing the world into Portuguese and Spanish spheres of influence. He died on October 25, 1495, without a legitimate heir. The throne passed to Manuel I, the Duke of Beja, his cousin and brother-in-law.