Gonçalo Mendes da Maia
Gonçalo Mendes da Maia | |
|---|---|
 The Glorious Death of Gonçalo Mendes da Maia, a 19th century lithograph | |
| Born | c. 1079 |
| Died | 1170 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation(s) | Knight, military commander |
Gonçalo Mendes da Maia (Maia?, 1079? — Alentejo, 1170), also known as O Lidador (the hardworking), so named for his fearlessness in the struggle against the Saracens, was a Portuguese knight of the time of Afonso Henriques, about whom tradition relates important achievements in the events preceding the independence of Portugal. He had a military post as a fronteiro in the border town of Beja, where he died in 1170, while fighting against a Muslim army.[1] According to some documents, he was at the time ninety years old.[2] Traditionally, Gonçalo Mendes da Maia is considered a hero of both the city of Maia, the homeland of the Mendes da Maia family, and Beja.
Notes
References
- Ângelo Ribeiro, História de Portugal - A Formação do Território - Da Lusitânia ao alargamento do País (2004) ISBN 989-554-106-6