Afonso Henriques' Early Ambitions and the Battle of Cerneja (1137 CE)

Having seized control of Portugal as a young and ambitious leader, Afonso Henriques is determined to break free from León and establish an independent kingdom.

The Invasion of Galicia and the Battle of Cerneja

To assert his power, Afonso Henriques invades Galicia, confronting the forces of Fernando Pérez de Traba and the Galician barons. He achieves a decisive victory at the Battle of Cerneja, further strengthening his position.

Conflict with Alfonso VII and the Treaty of Tuy (1137 CE)

In response to Afonso’s growing defiance, Alfonso VII of León, who has recently proclaimed himself Emperor of Spain, orders his Galician vassals to launch an offensive against Portugal.

At the same time, Muslim forces in the south, recently reinforced by the Almohads from Morocco, pose a serious threat to Portuguese territories.

Faced with pressure on two fronts, Afonso Henriques chooses to negotiate peace. In 1137, he meets with Alfonso VII at Tuy, where they agree to a truce, allowing Afonso to secure his rule over Portugal while preparing for future challenges to his sovereignty.