The Death of John III and the Rise of Sebastian I: Portugal at a Crossroads (1557)
During the reign of King John III of Portugal (r. 1521–1557), Lisbon flourished as one of Europe’s largest, wealthiest, and most cosmopolitan cities. However, despite its economic prosperity, Portugal’s decline had already begun, marked by military failures, financial strain, and demographic decline.
Lisbon: A Global Capital Under John III
- By the mid-16th century, Lisbon was a key hub of global trade, enriched by spices, gold, and slaves from Africa, India, and Brazil.
- The city became a center of arts, literature, and luxury, with John III lavishing wealth on court life and extravagant projects.
- However, Portugal’s overextended empire was beginning to drain its economy.
The Decline of Portugal’s Power
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Naval and Economic Decline
- Portugal struggled to maintain dominance over its vast overseas empire, facing challenges from rival European powers and local resistance in Asia and Africa.
- Trade revenues decreased, and Lisbon’s economic dominance weakened.
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Expensive and Futile Wars in Morocco
- John III spent heavily on military campaigns in North Africa, but these costly ventures yielded little strategic gain.
- Portuguese garrisons in Morocco became increasingly difficult to defend, draining resources and manpower.
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Religious Intolerance and the Inquisition
- A devout Catholic known as “the Pious”, John III established the Portuguese Inquisition (1536).
- The Jesuits were brought to Portugal, reinforcing Catholic orthodoxy but also stifling intellectual and economic progress.
- The persecution of New Christians (conversos) led to the flight of many skilled merchants and financiers, weakening the economy.
John III’s Death and the Accession of Sebastian I (1557)
- John III died on June 11, 1557, at age 55.
- His only surviving heir was his three-year-old grandson, Sebastian, who became King Sebastian I under a regency led by his grandmother, Catherine of Austria, and later by his great-uncle, Cardinal Henry.
- Sebastian’s ascension at such a young age marked the beginning of a period of instability, culminating in the disastrous Battle of Alcácer Quibir (1578) and Portugal’s eventual fall under Spanish rule (1580–1640).
Conclusion: The End of Portugal’s Golden Age?
John III’s reign marked both the peak and the beginning of Portugal’s decline. While Lisbon remained a wealthy and influential city, Portugal’s imperial overstretch, military failures, and economic decline foreshadowed the troubles of the late 16th century. His death left a vulnerable child-king, whose reign would lead Portugal further into crisis, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic turning points in Portuguese history.
