Peter, Constable of Portugal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peter of CoimbraPeter V of Aragon (disputed) |
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| Constable of Portugal; Count of Barcelona | |
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Portrait in the Chapel of Santa Àgata, 1464-1465
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| Died | 30 June 1466 (aged 36–37) Granollers |
| Burial | Santa Maria del Mar Church, Barcelona |
| House | Aviz |
| Father | Peter, Duke of Coimbra |
| Mother | Isabella of Urgell |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Peter of Coimbra (also known as Peter the Constable) was an important figure in Portuguese and Aragonese history. He was born around 1429 and died on June 30, 1466, in Granollers. Peter was the son of Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra. He became the fifth Constable of Portugal, which was a very high military position. He also became the third Grand Master of the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz, leading a group of knights.
Later in his life, Peter was offered the crown of Aragon by a group called the Consell de Cent. He claimed to be King of Aragon from 1463 to 1466, going against John II of Aragon. However, whether he was truly a king is still debated by historians.
Early Life and Family
Peter's parents were Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra, and Isabella of Urgell. Through his mother's family, Peter had a claim to the throne of Aragon. His grandfather, James II, Count of Urgell, was the last male from an important family line. This meant Peter had a right to the Crown of Aragon through his mother's side.
Becoming a Leader
Peter's father was a powerful man. He was the regent, or temporary ruler, of the Kingdom of Portugal. This position gave Peter many advantages. In 1443, Peter was chosen to be the Constable of Portugal. This made him one of the most powerful military leaders in the kingdom.
This decision caused problems with another noble, Afonso, Marquis of Valença. He had expected to become constable. Also, Peter's sister, Isabella of Coimbra, married King Afonso V of Portugal. This marriage, instead of one to the Duke of Braganza's daughter, further damaged the relationship between their families.
In 1448, King Afonso V became old enough to rule on his own. Peter's father stepped down as regent. However, the Duke of Braganza, who was now an enemy of Peter's father, influenced the King. King Afonso V then canceled all the laws made during Peter's father's time as regent.
These disagreements led to a battle called the Battle of Alfarrobeira. In this battle, Peter's father died. After this, Peter had to leave Portugal and go to Castile.
In 1454, Peter made peace with King Afonso V and the Duke of Braganza. This allowed him to return to Portugal. He also got back all his family's lands and possessions. To show his loyalty, Peter helped King Afonso V in military campaigns. He helped capture Alcácer Ceguer in 1458 and Tangiers in 1460.
Claiming the Crown of Aragon
In 1463, the region of Catalonia was in a civil war against John II of Aragon. The Catalan leaders offered their crown to Peter. He was chosen to be the King of Aragon, Count of Barcelona, and King of Valencia.
Peter truly ruled in Catalonia and parts of Aragon. However, he was only officially considered king in Valencia, which was still controlled by John II. So, the area he actually controlled included Barcelona, most of Catalonia, and some parts of Aragon.
With help from his aunt, Isabella, the Duchess of Burgundy, Peter became engaged to Margaret of York. He sent her an engagement ring and a marriage contract. However, Margaret later married Isabella's own son, Charles the Bold.
Death
After facing many military challenges, Peter died in 1466 in Granollers. He passed away from an illness. Some historians have suggested he might have been poisoned. He is buried in the Church of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona, Catalonia. After Peter's death, the Catalans offered their crown to René of Anjou.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro de Portugal, conde de Barcelona para niños
