John III of Portugal

Born at Lisbon in 1502, he ascended the throne as successor of his father Manuel I in December 1521. In 1524 he married Catherine, sister to the Emperor Charles V, who shortly afterwards married the infanta Isabella, John's sister.

John 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 was begun.

John, unfortunately for his dominions, became subservient to the clerical party among his subjects He introduced 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 Sebastian I, who succeeded him.

He died of apoplexy[?] on June 6, 1557, and was succeeded by his grandson Sebastian, then a child of only three years.