Fifteen milestones in Portugal’s history

A timeline helps connect names, events and political changes. These fifteen milestones offer a first journey through Portugal’s history.

Formation of the kingdom

Afonso Henriques was the first king. The Treaty of Zamora, concluded in 1143, marks a step in the kingdom’s formation. The Battle of Aljubarrota took place on 14 August 1385.

Ceuta and fifteenth-century maritime voyages

In the fifteenth century, Portuguese forces conquered Ceuta in 1415. Bartolomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, and Vasco da Gama reached India by sea in 1498. These are separate events, each with its own participants and context.

Restoration, earthquake and the Liberal Revolution

The Restoration of Independence is associated with 1 December 1640. The great Lisbon earthquake occurred on 1 November 1755. The Liberal Revolution began in Porto on 24 August 1820.

Republic and democracy

The Republic was proclaimed on 5 October 1910. The Revolution of 25 April 1974 ended the Estado Novo and opened the way to democracy. The Constituent Assembly was elected on 25 April 1975. The Constitution was approved on 2 April 1976 and took effect on 25 April.

European integration and the euro

Portugal joined the EEC on 1 January 1986. It adopted the euro in 1999; banknotes and coins entered circulation on 1 January 2002.

Review the timeline

When reviewing, connect each date to an event and explain in your own words what changed.

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FAQ

How can I organise my study of Portugal’s history?

Use the guide’s milestones as a timeline. For each event, connect the date, people involved and what changed; then practise the history questions.

How can I avoid confusing nearby dates in the timeline?

Read the description of each event instead of memorising only its year. In the democracy and European integration sections, distinguish the stages presented and check them in the guide’s sources.