The Secret of Philip II and Portugal: How He United the Entire Iberian Peninsula Under His Crown

In the turbulent 16th century, one name resonated throughout Europe: Philip II, the king who dared to dream of the unification of the Iberian Peninsula. In 1580, following the death of the Portuguese king Sebastian I, Philip II faced a titanic dilemma. This article reveals the secrets and intrigues that led to the Iberian Union, an event that not only transformed Portugal but also left an indelible mark on the history of the House of Habsburg and Europe as a whole.

The Death of a King and the Power Vacuum

On August 4, 1578, the young king Sebastian I of Portugal died at the Battle of Alcácer-Quibir, marking the beginning of a period of instability. Without a clear heir, Portugal found itself at a crossroads. Contemporary chroniclers report that the Portuguese people were plunged into despair, and nobles divided were fighting for control of the throne. It was in this chaotic context that the figure of Philip II emerged, who, as king of Spain, had been watching the fate of his Iberian neighbor with keen interest.

Philip II, son of Charles I of Spain and Isabel of Portugal, saw in this crisis a unique opportunity. With his Portuguese blood, he considered himself the legitimate candidate for the Portuguese throne. But was his kinship enough? Contemporary rumors suggest that Philip II used intrigue and diplomacy to present his credentials to the Portuguese people while maintaining an image of order and stability in his own kingdom.

The Iberian Union: A Dream Come True

In 1580, following a series of political and military maneuvers, Philip II proclaimed himself king of Portugal. It was a moment of great celebration in Madrid, but in Lisbon, the reaction was different. Many Portuguese viewed this union as an invasion rather than a c