Theresa of Portugal facts for kids

Teresa of Portugal is a name shared by several important women from Portuguese history. These women lived at different times and played different roles, from helping to establish the country to being queens and princesses. Let's learn about some of them!

Who Was Teresa of Portugal?

The name Teresa of Portugal refers to four notable women who were part of the royal families of Portugal and other European kingdoms. Each of them had a unique story and contributed to the history of their time.

Theresa, Countess of Portugal (1080–1130)

Theresa was born around 1080 and was a very important figure in the early history of Portugal. She was the daughter of King Alfonso VI of León and Castile. She married Henry of Burgundy, a French nobleman. Together, they were given the County of Portugal, which was a part of the larger Kingdom of León.

After her husband's death, Theresa ruled the county on her own. She worked hard to make Portugal more independent from León. Her son, Afonso Henriques, later became the very first King of Portugal. This makes Theresa a key person in the founding of Portugal as a separate country. She passed away in 1130.

Theresa of Portugal, Countess of Flanders (1157–1218)

This Theresa was born in 1157. She was the daughter of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and his wife, Matilda of Savoy. She was a princess of Portugal.

Theresa married Philip I, Count of Flanders, a powerful region in what is now Belgium. As Countess of Flanders, she played a role in the politics of that area. She died in 1218.

Theresa of Portugal, Queen of León (1181–1250)

Born in 1181, this Theresa was another Portuguese princess. Her father was King Sancho I of Portugal, and her mother was Queen Dulce of Aragon.

Theresa married King Alfonso IX of León. This marriage was important for political reasons, connecting the royal families of Portugal and León. She became the Queen of León. After her marriage was annulled, she chose to live a religious life. She became a nun and was known for her piety and good deeds. She died in 1250.

Infanta Maria Teresa of Braganza (1793-1874)

Infanta Maria Teresa was born in 1793. An "Infanta" is the title given to a princess in Portugal and Spain. She was the first child of King John VI of Portugal and his wife, Carlota Joaquina of Spain.

Maria Teresa lived during a time of many changes in Europe, including the Napoleonic Wars. She was known for her strong political views and her support for certain royal claims. She married twice, first to Infante Pedro Carlos of Spain and Portugal, and later to Infante Carlos, Count of Molina, who was her nephew. She passed away in 1874.

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