Sebastião of Portugal

Sebastião was born in Lisbon on 20 January 1554. He was the son of João Manuel, Prince of Portugal, and his wife, Joanna of Austria. When his father died, Sebastião was still in his mother’s womb. This left the kingdom startled: João Manuel was the only son of the King, João III, and the succession was dependant on the birth of baby Sebastião.

There was no shortage of heirs to the throne in Portugal. The real problem was, because of the marriage of Maria Manuela of Portugal and Philip II of Spain, the Kingdom would be inherited by their son, Carlos. This would mean the union of Portugal and Spain, thing that all Portuguese dreaded. Eighteen days after the death of João Manuel, Joanna went into labour and 20 January 1554, Sebastião was born and the news were received with happiness and prayers. Because people looked forward to his birth so the dynasty would be secure, he received the nickname of The Desired One. Sebastião was a bright and lovely boy; tall, slim and blond, he was brought up by his grandmother, Catherine of Austria. Obedient as a child, he became impulsive and obstinate in later life.

On 11 June 1557, João III died and Sebastião became king at the age of three. Because he was a minor, the regency was handled first by his grandmother, Catherine, and then by his great-uncle, the Cardinal Henrique. During the regency of Catherine of Austria and Cardinal Henrique and the short reign of Sebastião, the Church’s power ascended to new levels: The Inquisition was consolidated and taken to India, new bishoprics were created both in Portugal and the colonies. The only cultural landmark of this time was the creation of a University in Évora but even here the religious influence was felt: it was entrusted to the Jesuits.

Later, Sebastião started preparing a journey to Africa fearing an attempt of reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors had recaptured Tunis in 1574 and there was only Morocco left before they dominated the whole Northern Africa. On 4 August 1578, there was a battle in Alcácer-Quibir. The Portuguese suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of sultan Abd al-Malik. Sebastião died in the battle or was killed after its end, at the age of 24. The legend says he was advised to surrender and deliver his sword to the enemy. The King refused, the knights charged against the enemy and Sebastião followed, disappearing in the crowd, never to be seen again. The independence of the country was now at risk.

When the Kingdom lost its independence, Sebastião became a legend, a messianic king who would return from the mist, help Portugal in its darkest hour and deliver it from Spanish rule.

Sebastião of Portugal
Cristóvão de Morais
(1572)