2-370-976 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

Statue of King John III of Portugal, University, Coimbra, Portugal, 2009. Coimbra is rich in history. In Roman times it was known as. Aeminium. The Moors occupied the city from c711 until it was recaptured by the Christians under Ferdinand I of Leon in 1064. Six of Portugal's kings were born in the city and between 1139 and 1256 it was the capital of the country. Coimbra is the oldest seat of learning in Portugal with a University founded in 1290 by King Denis (Dinis) I. The fifteenth King of Portugal, John (Joao) III ruled from 1521 until his death in 1557. He was known as John the Pious.