Afonso Henriques' Path to Kingship (1139–1143 CE)

Following the Peace of Tuy (1137) with Alfonso VII of León, Afonso Henriques redirects his attention southward to confront the Muslim threat.

The Battle of Ourique (1139) and the Assumption of Kingship

• In 1139, Afonso Henriques leads a deep raid into Al-Andalus, engaging and defeating a Muslim army at Ourique, in the Alentejo.
• Following this decisive victory, he begins to be referred to in official documents as King of Portugal, marking his first assertion of independence from León.

Conflict with Alfonso VII and the Joust at Arcos de Valdevez (1140 CE)

• In 1140, Afonso renews his claim to southern Galicia and invades the region, prompting a military response from Alfonso VII, who marches his army into Portugal.
• The two forces meet at Arcos de Valdevez, where they engage in a tournament-style joust—a contest ultimately won by the Portuguese knights.
• This symbolic Portuguese victory reinforces Afonso’s claim to political and military legitimacy.

Recognition of Portugal at the Conference of Zamora (1143 CE)

• In 1143, Afonso Henriques' self-proclaimed title of king is formally recognized at the Conference of Zamora.
• Alfonso VII, who has declared himself Emperor of Spain, acknowledges Afonso as King of Portugal, though still considering him a vassal of the empire.

This event marks the first diplomatic recognition of Portugal as an independent kingdom, paving the way for its full sovereignty, which will be confirmed by papal recognition in 1179.