DomFernando II of Braganza (Portuguese pronunciation:[fɨɾˈnɐ̃du]; 1430 – 20 June 1483) was the 3rd Duke of Braganza and the 1st Duke of Guimarães, among other titles. He is known for being executed for treason against the King.
Early life
A posthumous engraving of D. Fernando II.
Fernando II, born in 1430, was a successful young man and quickly grew popular amongst the Portuguese nobility. He was most appreciated by King Afonso V of Portugal, and always escorted the King on his different incursions into Morocco, where he participated in several conquests and expeditions.[1] Being favored by King Afonso V, Fernando was created Count of Guimarães in 1464. He was soon upgraded to Duke of Guimarães in 1475.
King John II accused Fernando of Braganza, his second half-cousin, of high treason and had him executed at Évora in 1483.[9][10] Afterwards, the assets of the House of Braganza were confiscated and the family fled to Castile.[11][a] Shortly after, in 1484, John accused his first cousin, Diogo I of Beja and Viseu (brother-in-law of Fernando II), of the same offense and stabbed him to death.[12][13][14]
Marriage and issue
Fernando II of Braganza married twice. His first marriage was to D. Leonor de Menezes; they had no issue. He later married Isabella of Viseu (daughter of Prince Ferdinand, Duke of Beja and Viseu, and sister of King Manuel I of Portugal) in 1472, with whom he had four children, though only two reached adulthood.[2]
Generations indicate descent from Afonso, Duke of Braganza, founder of the House of Braganza, until João II, Duke of Braganza, the first Braganza monarch of Portugal; italics indicate a head of the House
Generations indicate descent from John IV, King of Portugal, formerly John II, Duke of Braganza, the first Braganza monarch of Portugal, until Manuel II, King of Portugal, the last monarch of Portugal, excluding the Miguelist line; italics indicate a head of the House
