A Brief History of Portugal

A Brief History of Portugal by Jeremy Black is a comprehensive history that traces the evolution of Portugal from the Stone Age to the present day.

The book begins with an introduction that discusses geographical and climatic influences before delving into Portugal's prehistory and classical era, spanning from the Stone Age to the end of the Roman era. The narrative then moves to cover Portugal's history from AD 420 to the thirteenth century, including the era of the Suevi, Visigoths, and Moors. Readers will discover the development of Christian Portugal and the expulsion of the Moors, with insights into key historical sites.

A section on Spanish rule between 1580 and 1640 explains the reasons for Spain's takeover and the eventual collapse of Spanish rule in the region. The book significantly focuses on Portugal's global influence during the age of exploration from the fifteenth century to 1580. It describes the emergence of Manueline Portugal and prominent figures such as Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama. By highlighting Portugal's territories in places like the Azores, Madeira, West Africa, Brazil, Malacca, Macao, Goa, and Timor, the text illustrates Portugal's sustained imperial presence.

Baroque Portugal (1640–1800) is explored through its architectural marvels, including palaces in Mafra and Pombal, along with the wealth derived from Brazil. The nineteenth century, characterised by upheaval through the French invasion, the Peninsular War, Brazilian independence, successive revolutions, economic challenges, and the monarch's downfall, is vividly portrayed.

In examining the early twentieth century, the author covers the tumult of Republican Portugal, the dictatorship of Salazar, and the transformative Carnation Revolution of 1974. Portugal's involvement in world wars and African wars is also scrutinised. The narrative progresses to discuss the transition from autocracy to a new democratic constitution, including the leadership of Soares, and addresses the fiscal challenges of recent times.

Throughout the book, Black introduces the history and character of Portugal's principal regions, such as the Azores, Madeira, and the Cape Verde Islands. He examines vital cultural aspects, including Portuguese food, wine, arts, and port. Notably, special sections are dedicated to Portugal's famous tiles and the historic university at Coimbra, established in 1290.