Felipe IV: the king who lost Portugal and watched his empire sink

Discover the fascinating story of Philip IV, the monarch who, amid greatness and decline, witnessed his empire flourish and then crumble. Since his ascension in 1621, Philip IV ruled during a period of splendor for the House of Habsburg, when Spain dominated vast territories in Europe, America, and Asia. However, his reign was also marked by the loss of Portugal, which claimed its independence in 1640, an event that symbolized the beginning of the decline of the powerful Habsburg dynasty. As the decades progressed, the opulence of the colonies became a burden, and economic and military crises began to undermine the king's authority. The story of Philip IV is a captivating tale of ambition and downfall, where an empire crumbles and hopes for greatness fade away. How could such a powerful king face such challenges? Dive into this thrilling narrative of glory and ruin, and discover how the history of a declining empire was written. Don't miss it!

November 29, 2025

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Philip IV: The King Who Lost Portugal and Watched His Empire Sink

The story of Philip IV of Spain is an enthralling tale of grandeur and ruin, a journey that traverses the heights of power and plunges into the depths of decline. This monarch, whose reign lasted from 1621 to 1665, was the last great king of the House of Habsburg in Spain, a legacy that would endure but, as his reign progressed, would become a symbol of what could have been and never was.

The Heritage of an Empire: Great Hopes

Philip IV ascended to the throne at a moment of splendor for the Spanish monarchy. Spain was, at that time, the center of the known world, with vast territories in Europe, America, and Asia. The riches from the colonies, mostly brought in by the House of Habsburg, made Europe’s heart beat with excitement. The House of Habsburg had become one of the most powerful dynasties, and Philip IV was seen as the monarch capable of continuing the grand tradition of his ancestors.

However, within the opulence also lay the shadow of conflict. Constant confrontations with France, led by Louis XIII and later by the cunning Cardinal Richelieu, drained the empire's coffers. The intervention in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was a desperate attempt to maintain the House of Habsburg's dominance in Europe, but the cost was devastating.

The Loss of Portugal: A Devastating Blow

One of the greatest blows to Philip IV's glory was the loss of Portugal, a country that had been part of the Iberian empire since 1580, when Philip II claimed the Portuguese crown. However, discontent in the kingdom was palpable. In 1640, after years of oppression and a growing sense of independence, a group of Portuguese nobles led by Afonso de Braganza rose up against the dominion...