Afonso III of Portugal (d. 1279)

Afonso III (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈfõsu]), a pivotal figure in Portuguese history, reigned as the fifth King of Portugal from 1248 until his death in 1279. Known affectionately as "o Bolonhês" (the Boulonnais), his reign marked a significant expansion of the kingdom's territory and a consolidation of royal power. He holds the distinction of being the first Portuguese monarch to officially adopt the grander title of King of Portugal and the Algarve, a title he began using from 1249, reflecting the nation's final strides in the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula.

Born on May 5, 1210, Afonso was the second son of King Afonso II of Portugal and Urraca of Castile. His ascension to the throne was not straightforward, following the turbulent reign and eventual deposition of his elder brother, King Sancho II, who passed away on January 4, 1248.

From Second Son to Sovereign: Afonso's Early Life and Succession

As the younger son of King Afonso II and Queen Urraca of Castile, Prince Afonso's early life was not initially destined for the throne. His elder brother, Sancho II, was the rightful heir. However, Sancho II's reign was plagued by internal strife, particularly a protracted conflict with the Church and the nobility. His perceived inability to effectively govern and defend the kingdom against Moorish incursions, coupled with his struggles to maintain internal order, led to a period of instability that eventually caught the attention of the Papacy.

In a rare and dramatic intervention, Pope Innocent IV, concerned by the state of affairs in Portugal, effectively sanctioned the removal of Sancho II. Afonso, who had been residing in France and was married to Matilda II, Countess of Boulogne, was invited to assume the regency with the understanding that he would eventually take the throne. This transition was completed upon Sancho II's death in Toledo on January 4, 1248, officially making Afonso III the new King of Portugal.

The Definitive King of Portugal and the Algarve

One of Afonso III's most enduring legacies is his role in completing the Portuguese Reconquista. Upon his ascension, the southern region of the Algarve, still largely under Muslim control, presented both a challenge and an opportunity. In 1249, Afonso III successfully led military campaigns that culminated in the conquest of Faro, the last major Moorish stronghold in Portugal. This monumental achievement effectively secured the southern frontier of the kingdom and established the definitive borders of mainland Portugal that largely persist to this day.

It was in recognition of this historic territorial expansion that Afonso III proudly adopted the new, more encompassing title of King of Portugal and the Algarve. This was not merely a ceremonial change; it symbolized the successful culmination of centuries of Christian efforts to reclaim territory from Moorish rule and officially integrated the Algarve into the Portuguese crown, marking a new chapter in the nation's identity.

The Origin of "O Bolonhês"

Afonso III acquired his distinctive epithet, "o Bolonhês" (the Boulonnais), through his first marriage. Prior to becoming King of Portugal, he married Matilda II, Countess of Boulogne, in 1238. Boulogne was a significant county in northern France, and through this marriage, Afonso became the Count of Boulogne jure uxoris (by right of his wife). Although this marriage was later annulled due to consanguinity and the need for a more politically advantageous union for the King of Portugal, the epithet endured as a recognizable part of his historical identity, reflecting his pre-royal ties to a prominent European noble house.

Understanding Afonso's Many Names

Throughout history, and across different languages, Afonso III's name has appeared in various forms, reflecting the linguistic evolution and cultural contacts of the era:

These variations highlight the interconnectedness of Iberian and European royal houses and the evolving nature of names across different linguistic traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Afonso III

When was Afonso III born and when did he die?
Afonso III was born on May 5, 1210, and passed away on February 16, 1279.
Why was Afonso III known as "the Boulonnais"?
He earned the epithet "the Boulonnais" (or "o Bolonhês" in Portuguese) because of his first marriage to Matilda II, Countess of Boulogne, before he became King of Portugal. He was Count of Boulogne through this marriage.
What was Afonso III's most significant achievement?
His most significant achievement was the completion of the Portuguese Reconquista with the conquest of the Algarve in 1249, which led him to adopt the title "King of Portugal and the Algarve."
Who were Afonso III's parents?
Afonso III was the second son of King Afonso II of Portugal and Urraca of Castile.
How did Afonso III become King?
He became king after the deposition and subsequent death of his elder brother, Sancho II, whose reign was marked by severe political and ecclesiastical conflicts. Afonso initially served as regent before fully ascending to the throne.
Why did he change his title to "King of Portugal and the Algarve"?
He changed his title to formally recognize and celebrate the successful integration of the Algarve region into the Kingdom of Portugal following its conquest from Moorish rule in 1249.