Birth and Origins
On a day like today, 555 years ago, in Alcochete (Portugal), Manuel de Viseu, later known as Manuel “the Lucky”, was born. Manuel was the tenth child of Ferdinand of Portugal and his cousin Beatriu d’Aveiro. Despite being the tenth child, Manuel was the only male of the couple to reach adulthood (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
Ascension to the Throne
After a series of unexpected events, Manuel managed to relieve his cousin, King John II, and become King of Portugal in 1495. This situation was the result of a series of deaths, marriages without offspring and assassinations that they shook the line of succession.
Marriage and Succession
Manuel jumped to the forefront of European politics when he married Isabel of Aragon, daughter of the Catholic Kings. Only four days after the marriage, John of Aragon, son and successor of the Catholic Kings, died unexpectedly. This death opened the door for Manuel to gain a position of greater power.
The Change of Course
The death of Joan of Aragon meant a change of course for Ferdinand, Isabel’s father. Ferdinand had negotiated a double marriage between his daughters and the Habsburgs, but with John’s death, he had to rethink his plans. Finally, he accepted that his grandson, Miquel de la Pau, son of Manuel and Isabel, would be the heir to the thrones of Barcelona, Toledo and Lisbon (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en -Catalan/).
The Misfortune
However, misfortune befell the royal family when Miquel de la Pau died prematurely in 1500. This death left the way clear for other aspirants to the throne and put Ferdinand’s plans in jeopardy. Despite Manuel’s efforts, the chips returned to the starting square.
conclusion
Manuel de Viseu’s life was a wild story full of unexpected twists and tragedies. From his birth to his death, he lived a life full of successes and misfortunes. Its influence on European politics and the succession of the thrones of Portugal is undeniable. Manuel de Viseu, a king who marked an era (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).