Infante Peter, Duke of Coimbra: Regent Ruler of Portugal in EU4

Getting to Know the Duke of Coimbra: Infante Peter

The man behind the Duke of Coimbra title in EU4 is Infante Peter (Infante Pedro in Portuguese), born in 1392. A pivotal character in Portugal’s history, Peter was a member of the Portuguese royal family, the third son of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster.

Explaining the Infante Title

In the royal setting of Iberian kingdoms, the title ‘Infante‘ was exclusive to the sons or daughters of the reigning monarch who were not immediate heirs to the throne. Being the third son of King John I, Infante Peter had the title but was not first in line for the throne, indicating his royalty and secondary role in succession.

Infante Peter and Portugal’s Age of Discovery

Peter was part of what was termed the Illustrious Generation – the offspring of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster, whose contributions significantly fuelled Portugal’s Age of Discovery. From the 15th to the 18th centuries, this period was characterized by Portuguese and Spanish exploration, leading to European contact with the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa. Peter, together with his siblings, played a crucial role in this era, promoting arts, sciences, and exploration.

The Duke of Coimbra’s Regentship

When King Edward of Portugal passed away in 1438, his son Afonso V, a six-year-old, was the successor to the throne. Given his age, Portugal needed a regent to govern.

Role of the Portuguese Cortes in Appointing the Duke of Coimbra

When young Afonso V assumed the throne at a tender age, the question of regency arose. It fell upon the Portuguese Cortes, the legislative assembly of medieval Portugal, to appoint a suitable regent to guide Portugal during this crucial time. The Cortes consisted of representatives from the clergy, nobility, and the bourgeoisie, each with its own unique interests.

Given his military and exploratory successes, leadership abilities, and unflinching commitment to Portugal’s prosperity, Infante Peter emerged as the preferred choice. His appointment as the regent for young Afonso V was not a casual decision, but a well-calculated move by the Portuguese Cortes, recognizing Peter’s potential to lead Portugal into a new era of progress and discovery.

The Duke of Coimbra’s Downfall: The End of Regency

Like many regencies in history, Infante Peter’s rule was not without controversy and struggle. Among the most significant challenges he faced was opposition from his own mother, Queen Leonor. The Queen favored the interests of another noble family, the House of Braganza, which led to increasing political tension between her and the Duke.

Queen Leonor and the Duke of Braganza, emboldened by their mutual interests, began to undermine the Duke of Coimbra’s authority, painting a picture of an ineffective and potentially rebellious regent. This opposition culminated in a political showdown, marking a turbulent end to the Duke’s otherwise progressive regency.

The Duke of Coimbra’s Final Battle and Its Impact

The climax of these tensions occurred at the Battle of Alfarrobeira in 1449. The Duke of Coimbra, determined to defend his rule and reputation, clashed with the forces rallied by his mother and the Duke of Braganza. The battle ended with the death of Infante Peter, marking an end to his regency and signaling the beginning of King Afonso V’s rule.

Despite the tragic end and the short-lived reign, Peter’s influence on Portugal was profound. His reign was characterized by a forward-thinking approach to trade, exploration, and military power. His policies and strategic decisions laid the groundwork for Portugal’s ascendancy as a global power in the Age of Discovery. 

This period marked Portugal’s dominance in overseas exploration and established the nation as an economic and military powerhouse, shaping the course of world history. Even after his death, the Duke of Coimbra’s influence lingered, echoing in the halls of Portuguese power and resonating with the nation’s history.

Event Choices

In Eu4, the Duke of Coimbra event presents players with two choices.

“So it was true! Death to him and his men!” 

If the player chooses this option, it represents an alignment with the faction against the Duke, resulting in his downfall. This choice leads to either a stability increase of +1 (if Portugal’s stability is less than +3) or a gain of 50 administrative power.

“We must place trust in our dear friend and mentor.”

This choice stands for the player siding with the Duke, reaffirming his influential role in Afonso’s reign. As a result, Portugal’s ruler gains the “Duke of Coimbra” bonus until his death, leading to a +10% increase in national tax modifier and trade efficiency.