Research Notes:

The Nobiliario of Pedro Conde de Barcelos names "D. Dionis, D. Alonso" as the sons of "D. Alonso…Rey de Portugal" and his wife "D. Beatriz". The Chronicon Conimbricensi records the birth “VII Id Oct” in 1261 of “Infans Domnus Dionysius filius Regis Domni Alfonsi et Reginæ Beatricis”. The Breve Chronicon Alcobacense records that "comitissa Bolonie" was still alive when "rex Dionisius" was born, but had died before the birth of his brother Afonso, and it was therefore claimed that Diniz was illegitimate but Afonso legitimate. The testament of “Donna Constancia Sancii, Donni Sancii...quondam Regis Portugaliæ filiæ”, dated 15 Jul 1269, requested “Dnm Alphonsum...Regem Portugaliæ et dominam Beatricem reginam et filiam...regis Castellæ et dominum Dyonisium filium eorundem” to ensure performance of its terms. The testament of “Alphonsus...Rex Portug. et Algarbii”, dated 23 Nov 1271, appointed “Dono Dionysio meo filio” as his successor.

He succeeded his father in 1279 as DINIZ "o Justo/o Lavrador" King of Portugal. Founded the University of Lisbon 1290. He encouraged land development by breaking up large domains and reforming peasant land tenure. Portuguese replaced Latin as the official language during his reign. His heir rebelled against him in his last years, provoked by the honours he bestowed on his illegitimate children. The testament of “D. Diniz...Rey de Portugal e do Algarve”, dated 20 Jun 1322, chose burial “no meu Mosteiro de Sam Diniz de Odivellas”, made bequests to “Infante Dona Maria minha neta...Infante Dom Affonso meu filho...” and appointed “a Raynha Donna Isabel minha mulher e Affonso Sanches meu Filho...” among his executors.

The Chronicon Conimbricensi records the death “VII Id Jan” of “Doñs Dionysius…Rex Portugaliæ”. The Breve Chronicon Alcobacense records the death "Sanctarene 13 Jan Era 1363" of "rex Dyonisius" and his burial "in monasterio quod ipse fecit…Odiuelas". ¹