ENCYCLOPAEDIA of Rebellions

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Dynastic crisis riots in Portugal 1580

Synopsis
The Portuguese dynastic crisis of 1580 was a period of political turmoil following the death of King Sebastian in 1578 and then of his successor, Cardinal-King Henry, in 1580, both without heirs. This succession crisis opened the way for Philip II of Spain to claim the Portuguese throne. However, many Portuguese among the clergy, the lower nobility, the urban elites and especially the common people, opposed Spanish rule and supported the claim of Dom António, Prior of Crato, who presented himself as the defender of Portugal’s independence. While his forces briefly controlled Lisbon and other key cities, the diplomatic maneuvering and the superior military power of Philip II’s army, led by the Duke of Alba, proved decisive. The battle of Alcântara (Lisbon) in August 1580 effectively crushed Dom António’s bid for the throne. Spanish forces soon occupied the country, and Philip II was ultimately recognized as king of Portugal, initiating the Iberian Union. Beyond the military confrontations, the dynastic crisis also sparked a wave of civil unrest, with uprisings, riots, and other violent disturbances – here all referred to as “riots” – in favor of Dom António and against Philip II. These occurred in several places – e.g. Santarém (where Dom António was acclaimed king), Setúbal, Lisbon, Coimbra, Bragança, and even in overseas territories like Cape Verde – mostly during the spring and summer of 1580, though some unrest continued later. These local events are addressed in separate entries within this Encyclopaedia.
Additional info

Starting date: . Ending: . Duration: 3 years. Name in sources: Tumultos antonianos. Location: Santarém, Setúbal, Lisbon, Coimbra, Bragança, Chaves, Cape Verde, etc. Country (current): Portugal. Monarchy: Portuguese. Main participants: Undifferentiated. Number of participants: >500. Main reasons & motivations: Political. Leadership: Dom Antonio, Prior of Crato. Relevance: high.

Further reading
SCHAUB, Jean-Frédéric (2020). “The union between Portugal and the Spanish monarchy (1581–1640)”, in F. Bouza, P. Cardim, A. Feros (eds), The Iberian world, 1450-1620. London & New York: Routledge, 2020, 126–141. SERRÃO, Joaquim Veríssimo (1956). O Reinado de D. António, Prior do Crato. Coimbra: Instituto de Alta Cultura. VALLADARES, Rafael (2010). A Conquista de Lisboa: violência militar e comunidade política em Portugal, 1578-1583. Lisboa: Texto Editores.
Cite this entry

Serrão, José Vicente (2025). "Dynastic crisis riots in Portugal 1580", in J. V. Serrão and M. S. Cunha (coord), Rebellions in the Early Modern Iberian World. http://atlas.cidehusdigital.uevora.pt/revolt/dynastic-crisis-riots-in-portugal-1580/ (accessed on 19 Abril 2025).

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