Manuel I (English: Emmanuel I; 31 May 1469 – 13 December 1521), the Fortunate (Port. ),  King of Portugal and the Algarves was the son of Infante Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu (1433–70) by his wife,  Infanta Beatrice of Portugal. His name is associated with a period of Portuguese civilization distinguished by significant achievements both in political affairs and the arts. In spite of its small size and population in comparison to the great land powers of Europe, it was able to acquire an  overseas empire of vast proportions and with a global dimension, for the first time in history, during Manuel's reign.