Coat of arms of Portugal I became a dragon, probably associated to the adoption of Saint George as the patron saint of Portugal. Until the 17th century, the dragon was represented in "or", but since then, it started to be represented in "vert". This change of color was probably due to the ascension to the throne, in 1640, of the House of Braganza, which had the green as its livery color, this also becoming the national color of Portugal. During the period of the House of Braganza, two dragons "vert" became frequently used as the supporters of the Portuguese Royal shield. Other of the external
Maria of Portugal, Duchess of Viseu Maria of Portugal, Duchess of Viseu D. Maria of Portugal, Duchess of Viseu (18 June 1521 – 10 October 1577 in Lisbon; ) was an Infanta of Portugal, the only daughter of King Manuel I of Portugal and Eleanor of Austria. A noted patron of the arts, Maria's personal wealth rivaled that of the king, her brother (John III of Portugal), making her the richest woman in Portugal and one of the richest in Europe. Maria was born on 18 June 1521 in Lisbon. In December the same year, her father died and her half-brother John III became king. Shortly