Alfonso III of Portugal, Called the Reformer

ALFONSO III, king of PORTUGAL, called the REFORMER. — Born in 1210, died in 1279. He earned the title of “reformer” for his various civil achievements: protection of industries, stabilization of the currency, granting of privileges to municipalities, suppression of abuses; and above all for his complete and definitive victory over the Saracens, wresting from them the “Algarve,” a territory that now forms the southernmost province of Portugal and bore the Arabic name “El Gharb” (= western country). Wishing, however, to extend the reforms to ecclesiastical matters as well, especially in the sphere of benefices and revenues, he incurred excommunication (1277), from which he was absolved on his deathbed.