Teodósio, Prince of Brazil


Teodósio, Prince of Brazil, Duke of Braganza was the heir-apparent son of John IV of Portugal and his wife Luisa de Guzmán. In 1645 he was given the title of Prince of Brazil, a new crown-princely position thus created. Also, his father granted him the duchy as 10th Duke of Braganza, presumably after his uncle Duarte died in 1649.

Biography

He was born on February 8, 1634 in Vila Viçosa and was the heir to the throne of Portugal since then until his death at only 19 years of age.
When the prince was 16 years old he took part in the State Council's reunions.
D. Teodósio's death, on May 13, 1653 caused great unrest in the kingdom. His next brother, the medically and mentally problem-ridden Infante Afonso, succeeded him as Prince of Brazil, Duke of Braganza and heir-apparent of the kingdom. Due to mental incapacity and impotence, Afonso would eventually be deposed by Pedro, Duke of Beja and died childless.

Interests

D. Teodósio was a very gifted young man. He knew Greek and Latin, was keen on philosophy and well respected amongst the great intellectuals of the time.
The Prince had a great interest in Astrology. He had a collection of charts of his family and made predictions on several political subjects. His astrological interests were encouraged and aided by his tutor, the Jesuit priest António Vieira.
Under the tutelage of astrologers of the day, he composed many astrological charts.

Ancestry