Origins & Early Life

John II (Portuguese: João II; [ʒuˈɐ̃w]; 3 May 1455 – 25 October 1495), called the Perfect Prince (Portuguese: o Príncipe Perfeito), was King of Portugal from 1481 until his death in 1495, and also for a brief time in 1477. He is known for reestablishing the power of the Portuguese monarchy, reinvigorating the economy of Portugal, and renewing the Portuguese exploration of Africa and Asia. Born in Lisbon on 3 May 1455, John was the second son of Afonso V of Portugal and Isabella of Coimbra. At one month old, on 25 June 1455, he was declared legitimate heir to the crown and received an oath of allegiance from the three estates.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Isabella of Coimbra died in December 1455. John and his older sister, Joanna, were raised by a governess, Beatriz de Vilhena. Their upbringing was also influenced by their aunt, Philippa of Coimbra. In 1468, Afonso V and Henry IV of Castile attempted to arrange a double marriage in which John would marry Henry's daughter, Joanna, and Afonso would marry Henry's half-sister and heir-presumptive, Isabella of Castile. However, Isabella refused to consent to the arrangement.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Instead, John married Eleanor of Viseu, his first cousin and the eldest daughter...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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