aviz

Aviz is a name with strong historical ties to Portugal, most notably associated with the medieval military order Ordem de Avis (Order of Aviz) and with the ruling House of Aviz (Casa de Aviz). The order took its name from the fortress of Aviz in Portugal and played a central role in the Reconquista and in defending the early Portuguese realm. Over time, the Order of Aviz became closely linked to the crown, setting the stage for the royal house that would rule Portugal.

The House of Aviz was the Portuguese dynasty that reigned from 1385, following the crisis of 1383–85, until 1580. Its rule coincided with a period of territorial expansion, maritime exploration, and the early development of Portugal’s overseas empire. The dynasty ended with the death of King Sebastian I and a succession crisis that led to the Iberian Union, with the throne passing to the House of Braganza and Portuguese independence restored only in 1640.

Beyond its royal and military connotations, the name Aviz (or Avis in Portuguese) has been used for various geographic locations and institutions associated with Portugal’s historical heritage. In modern usage, the spelling Avis is more common in Portuguese, while Aviz appears in historical or francophone contexts.