Council of Portugal facts for kids

Map of the Spanish-Portuguese Empire in 1598.      Territories administered by the Council of Castile      Territories administered by the Council of Aragon      Territories administered by the Council of Portugal      Territories administered by the Council of Italy      Territories administered by the Council of the Indies      Territories appointed to the Council of Flanders

The Council of Portugal, also known as the Royal and Supreme Council of Portugal (in Portuguese: Real e Supremo Conselho de Portugal; in Spanish: Real y Supremo Consejo de Portugal), was a very important group that helped govern the Kingdom of Portugal. It was a key part of the government during a period called the Iberian Union.

This council was created in 1582 by Philip I of Portugal. It was set up like the Council of Castile, which was a similar group in Spain. The Council of Portugal helped Portugal keep a good amount of independence even though it was ruled by the Spanish Habsburg family.

What the Council Did

The Council of Portugal was in charge of managing the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves. It also managed Portugal's huge colonial empire. This included lands and colonies all over the world.

When the Council Ended

The Council of Portugal stopped existing after the Portuguese Restoration War. This war led to Portugal becoming independent from Spain again.

See also

• Iberian Union