As I explore Coimbra’s fine town, I consistently observe familiar names. One name you might have heard of is Portugal’s third king, Afonso II The Fat. However, as I encounter these names, I may need to be reminded of what these individuals may have accomplished on this planet. Therefore, knowing about Portugal’s history regarding their monarchs is essential.

Therefore, I explored these names to understand better who they were. I wanted to share some of the findings as an added-value proclamation.

While the title of this post is meant to be ‘tongue in cheek,’ throughout history, Afonso II was known as Afonso the Fat.

I have already written and discussed the first two kings, Afonso I and Sancho I. We have also examined some of their ancestries. It only makes sense to continue the conversation. Here in this article, we will look at the reign of Afonso II.

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Afonso the Fat’s Reign

Afonso II, by the name Afonso The Fat, was born around 1185 in Coimbra and died March 25, 1223, in Coimbra. He was the third king of Portugal (1211–23), under whom he continued reconquering southern Portugal from the Muslims.

Afonso II was the son of King Sancho I and Queen Dulcia. His obesity appears to be caused by illness in his youth. Therefore, as an adult, he could not fully lead his forces.

Afonso II’s Success in Portugal’s History

Afonso II observed Alfonso VIII’s success in Castile at Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 from afar. Therefore, after this battle, the Muslim Almohads declined when Afonso II’s army seized Alcacer do Sal in 1217.

Afonso II initiated inquiries into land titles. These inquiries challenged the Church and other landowners, leading to a prolonged conflict between nobles and churchmen. Thus, in 1219, the archbishop of Braga excommunicated the king and court and placed the kingdom under an interdict. The papacy confirmed these actions, but Afonso resisted until his death. His son, Sancho II, succeeded him.

Alfonso II’s Reign in Portugal’s History

As a king, Afonso II had a unique approach to leading the Portuguese government. His father, Sancho I, and his grandfather, Afonso I were mainly concerned with military issues against the neighboring Kingdom of Castile or the Moorish lands in the south. During his reign, Afonso did not pursue territory growth approaches and managed to ensure peace with Castile. As a result, some towns were conquered by the private initiative of noblemen. 

However, this does not mean Alfonso II was weak or cowardly. Instead, the report of the first years of his reign had family disturbances. However, Alfonso II managed to maintain protection within Portuguese borders only by outlawing and exiling his kin.

Afonso II of Portugal was a ruler who made significant contributions to the development of his country. He established the first set of Portuguese written laws and sought diplomatic relations with other European kingdoms. Afonso II also worked to weaken the clergy’s power and redistribute the Catholic Church’s wealth for national purposes.

Still, unfortunately, he died in 1223 before he could complete these reforms.

King Afonso II was buried initially at the Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra. Here, his body remained for almost ten years. His remains were transferred to Alcobaça Monastery. He and his wife, Queen Urraca, are buried at the Royal Pantheon.

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