Afonso the Great

Afonso the Great was an early Portuguese monarch who ruled from 1139 to 1185. He is credited with establishing Portugal as an independent kingdom, successfully defending it from neighboring Christian and Muslim powers. Known for his leadership and military skill, Afonso expanded and stabilized the territory, promoting Christianity and infrastructure. His efforts laid the foundation for Portugal’s future growth as an independent nation, earning him a lasting legacy as a founding figure of Portuguese sovereignty.