João I was acclaimed king, thus beginning the 2nd dynasty.
In 1385, following a popular movement, D. In the most important centers, castles, palaces and cathedrals were built as the territorial administration cemented. Dinis founded the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. With its borders defined, Portugal started to look inside itself.
In 1179 that status was confirmed by Pope Alexander the III.ĭuring the 12th and 13th Centuries, the Portuguese Kings extended the borders, until conquering the Algarve, consolidating a territory almost unchanged until today. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and Alphonse the VII of León and Castile, recognized Portugal as an independent kingdom. Portugal was founded in 1143, year of the Zamora’s Treaty signing.
