D. Teresa

the long version

Teresa of Portugal is a key figure in Portuguese History: daughter of King Afonso VI of Castile and Leon, wife of Count Henry of Burgundy and mother of D. Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal. However her life is much unknown and what is known has been distorted by political interests and old prejudices. Her dowry were the rich and strategic territories at south of Minho River from which originated Portugal. Widow at 25 years old with three small children, she ruled during 10 years. Single case of Western History, a woman exercised power with the same clearance as men. In 1116, Pope Paschal II recognized her as Queen of Portugal. Her political and sentimental relationship with Count Fernando Pérez of Trava triggered the Battle of São Mamede (1128) where Teresa’s forces were defeated by her son and heir D. Afonso Henriques, ending her government. This book is the first account of the extraordinary life of one of the most original and intelligent ruler of the Middle Ages.