In this episode, we follow Afonso Henriques as he works to secure Portugal’s fragile frontier. We’ll look at how the destruction and rebuilding of Leiria shaped the kingdom’s defenses, the role of new castles and charters in pushing settlement southward, and how the Knights Templar began to take an active hand in the border wars. Along the way, we’ll encounter stories of courage and tragedy, like the fate of Martinho, a priest captured in battle and carried deep into Muslim lands. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a shifting Iberian landscape, where local revolts and Almoravid weakness created both danger and opportunity for the young Portuguese kingdom.

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Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

World Revival by White Records

Suspense by SergePavkinMusic

San Andreas by Rockot

Temple of the Heights by Rockot

Europe by Lexin Music

Epic Trap by Muza Production

From Last Forces by Serge Pavkin Music

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In this episode, we’re looking beyond the battlefield to the network of advisors who helped Afonso Henriques turn a fledgling county into a kingdom. We’ll explore the spiritual influence of Saint Teotónio, the political brilliance of Dom João Peculiar, and the often-overlooked world of church diplomacy in 12th-century Portugal. From monastic reform to papal negotiations, from court intrigue to the fight for ecclesiastical independence, this is the story of the men who stood beside the first king, and how their combined efforts shaped the destiny of the realm.

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If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected]

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Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

To Heaven by Serge Pavkin Music

Beautiful Epic Orchestral Pop Soundtrack by Rockot

Strength of Will by Rockot

Looking Far Away by Serge Pavkin Music

Unknown by Serge Pavkin Music

Night Moth by White Records

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This episode, we're diving into the controversial acclamation of Afonso Henriques as king before the Battle of Ourique. Did it really happen, or is it just legend? We'll explore conflicting historical accounts, the symbolism of his shield, and the Church's complicated role in legitimizing his kingship, uncovering how a potential battlefield tradition transformed into a powerful national myth.

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If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected]

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Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

Hold The Sky by SergePavkinMusic

Parting by SergePavkinMusic

Lounge Synthwave by Abydos Music

Ambient Trip Hop by Abydos_Music

Dreams in Pink by kaazoom

Epic Battle Song by Rolandomat

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This episode, we follow the pivotal shift in strategy as Afonso Henriques and the Portuguese forces move from a defensive posture to full-scale offensive operations. From the construction of the Castle of Leiria to deep raids into Muslim-held territory, we’ll explore how Portugal carved out its place on the frontier. We will also unpack the legendary Battle of Ourique, what likely happened, what was mythologized later, and why it mattered. As the tide turns across the Iberian Peninsula, the crumbling Almoravid empire faces pressure on multiple fronts, setting the stage for a new phase in the development of Portugal.

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If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected]

Visit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com

Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

Background Music by Levgen Poltavskyi

Deep in the Heart by Magnetic Trailer

Hip Hop Silky Smooth by Antipodean Writer

dramatic-suspense by Ashot Danielyan

Ethno Landscape byLexin Music

Ambient Epic by Rotko

Epic War by lNPLUSMUSIC

Orion Nebula by Serge Pavkin Music

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In this episode, we dive deep into the murky political landscape of the 1130s, focusing on Afonso Henriques’s ambiguous status between 1128 and 1137 as he maneuvered between independence and vassalage to Alfonso VII. The episode unpacks Afonso’s calculated incursions into Galician territory, including the provocative construction of the Castle of Celmes, the backlash from Alfonso VII, and the pivotal Battle of Cerneja, where Afonso defeated key Galician nobles. It culminates in the surprising Pact of Tui, a moment of apparent submission that still leaves historians debating its true implications. Along the way, we explore feudal power dynamics, shifting alliances, and the strategic balancing act Afonso played in shaping Portugal’s early sovereignty.

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Visit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com

Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

A Song For You by Still Point Music

The Flashback by Grand Project

Just a Click Away by OB-LIX

Rumba by Ahmad

Space Mission by Serge Pavkin Music

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This time, we return our focus to Afonso Henriques and the evolving dynamics between Portugal, Galicia, and the Kingdom of León-Castile in the aftermath of his rise to power. As well as the move of the royal court from Guimaraes to Coimbra.

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Visit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com

Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

The Road From Home by Serge Pavkin Music

Desolate World by DSTechnician

A Moment in Life by Rockot

Space Cinematic Epic Rockot

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This episode we focus on the lager cultural movement that swept Europe, known as the crusades and the effect this movement had in the County of Portugal.

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Visit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com

Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

Medieval Ambient by Deus Lower

Experimental by Rockot

Cosmic Glow by Serge Pavkin Music

Legacy of Monteverdi Lamento Della Ninfa by White Records

Grand View by Serge Pavkin Music

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This episode we cover the D. Afonso Henriques battle for independence from D. Teresa and follow his early moves to secure power.

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Visit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com

Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

Midnight Forest by Syouki Takahashi

Faraway by Serge PavkinMusic

Server by Rockot

Dramatic Epic by Lexin Music

The Great Inevitable by Rockot

Shadows of the Night by Sound Universe Studio

resonant by Rockot

Suspense by Serge PavkinMusic

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This episode we cover the early life and influences of D. Afonso Henriques!

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugal

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected]

Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugal

Visit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com

Credits:

Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay

Music:

Rhythm of War by Zakhar Valaha

Epic Battle Song by Rolandomat

Mantra of the Universe by Rockot

Party in the Ruins by Rockot

Suspense Day by Land of Books

The Kingdom by Magnetic Trailer

Night Side by Amaksi

Shark Charge Forward by Land of Books

Dust by Rockot

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