House of Aviz

The House of Aviz was a Portuguese dynasty that ruled from 1385 to 1580. It was founded by John I after a political crisis, with the support of allies like Nuno Álvares Pereira. This period saw significant social and economic changes in Portugal, including the establishment of municipalities and shifts in the nobility.

A key aspect of the Aviz dynasty was Portugal's expansion and control of sea trade. Figures like Afonso de Albuquerque established a network of strongpoints across the East, securing Portuguese dominance in trade routes for nearly a century. This era saw the conquest of territories like Goa and Malacca, and the establishment of colonies in places such as Macau. The Portuguese monopoly on Oriental trade eventually declined in the 17th century with the rise of the Dutch.1234