Dom Pedro I (English: Peter I; 12 October 1798 – 24 September 1834), nicknamed "the Liberator", was the
founder and first ruler of the
Empire of Brazil. As King Dom
Pedro IV, he reigned briefly over
Portugal, where he also became known as "the Liberator" as well as "the Soldier King". Born in
Lisbon, Pedro I was the fourth child of King Dom João VI of Portugal and Queen
Carlota Joaquina, and thus a member of the
House of Braganza. When their country was invaded by French troops in 1807, he and his family fled to Portugal's largest and wealthiest colony, Brazil.