João III (1502-1557) - Find a Grave Memorial

King of Portugal 1521-1557. Born in Lisbon, he was the son of King Manõel I and his queen Maria of Aragon, princess of Spain (daughter of King Juan II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I "the Catholic" of Castille). João III succeeded to the crown at a time when Portugal was at the height of its political power, and Lisbon in a position of commercial importance previously unknown. The Asian possessions were extended by further conquest, and systematic colonization of Brazil had begun. João III, unfortunately for his dominions, became subservient to the clerical party among his subjects, and the Inquisition was introduced in 1536. The consequences were disastrous to the commercial and social prosperity of his kingdom. Portugal was falling into the stagnation that characterized the reign of king Sebastião I, who succeeded him. João III married Catarina Habsburg, princess of Spain. She was the daughter of King Felipe I Habsburg of Spain and Queen Juana I la Loca of Spain (sister of João III's mother). Among their 9 children were Dom Jõão (1537-1554), crown prince of Portugal and father of king Sebastião I. A daughter was Maria (1527-1545), married to king Felipe II of Spain. King João III died of apoplexy in Lisbon 1557.

Bio by: Benny Chordt Hansen