How did Portugal's territory change over time?

Portugal’s territory was shaped during the Reconquista, when Christian forces pushed Muslim rule out of the Iberian Peninsula. By the 13th century, Portugal had established borders similar to those it has today. In the 15th century, Portugal began exploring the oceans and built a global empire. It established Brazil as a major colony in South America and expanded across Africa and Asia, including Goa in India, Macau in China, and East Timor. In 1580, Portugal entered a union with Spain, forming the Iberian Union, which lasted for 60 years before Portugal regained independence. In 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal, forcing the royal family to flee to Brazil. This increased Brazil’s importance, and it later declared independence, significantly reducing Portugal’s empire. During the 20th century, Portugal’s remaining colonies gained independence, leading to the modern borders of Portugal.

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