Afonso I (Afonso Henriques)

Afonso I, also known as Afonso Henriques, was the first King of Portugal, ruling from 1139 to 1185. He played a crucial role in establishing Portugal as a separate kingdom, emerging from the context of the Christian Reconquista against Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Afonso expanded his territory through military conquests and strategic alliances, greatly influencing the region's politics. He is often regarded as a national hero in Portugal, celebrated for his leadership and efforts in unifying the Portuguese people, and his legacy laid the foundation for Portugal's future as a sovereign nation.