In the news1769
Abolition of slavery in continental Portugal
In 1769, the Marquis of Pombal abolished slavery in continental Portugal and Portuguese India, significantly changing the legal status of enslaved people.
Also known as John the Clement (epithet)
Lisbon, 13 May 1767 – Lisbon, 10 Mar 1826
13 facts3 sources
The collection records João VI’s birth in Lisbon on 13 May 1767. He was the son of Pedro III and Maria I of Portugal. His recorded offices begin with the regency of Portugal, from 1799 to 1816, followed by the Portuguese monarchy from 1816 to 1826. 1Birth · 13 May 1767, Lisbon · Probable2Parent · Pedro III of Portugal · Confirmed3Parent · Maria I of Portugal · Confirmed4Title · Regent of Portugal, 1799–1816 · Confirmed5Title · Monarch of Portugal, 1816–1826 · Confirmed
Another title names him as King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, beginning in 1816. His biographical summary later describes him as King of Portugal and titular Emperor of Brazil. A separate title record dates the Brazilian imperial title to 1825–1826. These were different titles, rather than evidence of a single unchanging office. 6Title · King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve, 1816–1822 · Confirmed7Known for · Dom John VI, known as "the Clement", was King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves from 1816 to 1825, and after the recognition of Brazil's independence, titular Emperor of Brazil and King of Portugal until his death in 1826. · Probable8Title · Emperor of Brazil, 1825–1826 · Confirmed
The same summary records the epithet “the Clement”. The collection gives Lisbon as the place of his death on 10 March 1826. His life can therefore be explored through the relationships and changing forms of authority recorded beside his portrait. 7Known for · Dom John VI, known as "the Clement", was King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves from 1816 to 1825, and after the recognition of Brazil's independence, titular Emperor of Brazil and King of Portugal until his death in 1826. · Probable9Death · 10 Mar 1826, Lisbon · Probable
Drafted with AI and edited against the collection. Open a citation to see the record, its sources and how certain it is.
13 May 1767
Born in Lisbon
1793–1806
9 children are born
1799–1816
Regent of Portugal
1816–1826
Monarch of Portugal
1816–1822
King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve
1825–1826
Emperor of Brazil
10 Mar 1826
Dies in Lisbon, aged 58
He lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Lisbon.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
Who governed
Monarch of Portugal, 1750–1777 · Kingdom of Portugal
What people wore
Fishermen kept gala outfits for generations
Fishermen wore simple linen breeches during work, but dressed in blue cloth suits for Sundays and kept their finest gala outfits for rare feast days. These precious gala sets were often passed down through generations, from parents to children and even grandchildren.
Getting around
Travel by stubborn pack mules
Travelers frequently used pack mules to move between towns; because these animals were often stubborn and guided by muleteers who stopped often at taverns, passengers faced long delays and the risk of accidents.
At the table
Cod as a staple for the poor
Dried and salted cod, known as bacalhau, was a staple protein for ordinary people because it was affordable and easy to store.
Around the world · 1756–1763The Seven Years’ War. Fought in Europe, the Americas, Africa and India, often called the first world war: Britain took Canada and India from France.
In the news1769
In 1769, the Marquis of Pombal abolished slavery in continental Portugal and Portuguese India, significantly changing the legal status of enslaved people.
Music
The Popular Fandango Dance
In the 18th century, the fandango became so popular across all social classes that some foreign travelers considered it Portugal's national dance. Originally from Spanish theaters, it was danced by couples using castanets or finger snapping, often in taverns and even convents.
Daily life
Rural living and animal cohabitation
In rural homes, families sometimes lived in a single room where they slept and ate alongside their domestic animals.