John V of Portugal

Dom John V (22 October 1689 – 31 July 1750), known as the Magnanimous and the Portuguese Sun King, was King of Portugal from 9 December 1706 until his death in 1750. His reign saw the rise of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire to new levels of prosperity, wealth, and prestige among European courts.

John V's reign saw an increased influx of gold into the royal treasury, supplied largely by the royal fifth (a tax on precious metals) that was received from the colonies of Brazil and Maranhão. John spent lavishly on ambitious architectural works, most notably Mafra Palace, and on acquisitions for his sizeable art and literary collections. In order to boost Portugal's diplomatic standing, he expended large sums on embassies to the courts of Europe, most famous being those sent to Paris in 1715 and Rome in 1716.

Disregarding traditional Portuguese institutions of governance, John V ruled as an absolute monarch. As with previous monarchs from the House of Braganza, his reign was marked by numerous interventions into the affairs of other European states, most notably during the War of the Spanish Succession. On the imperial front, John V pursued an expansionist policy, with significant territorial gains in Portuguese India and Portuguese America.

A deeply religious man, John returned support from Pope Benedict XIV with a fervent devotion to the Catholic Church and significant donations. He received the title "Most Faithful Majesty" in return, although his relationship with the papacy varied depending on its holders.