Incredible but true story: The Portuguese capital was once located in Brazil

Despite being only the capital of Portugal for 13 short years, this period made Rio de Janeiro grow rapidly, becoming the most prosperous city on the continent of South America at that time.

Located in Southwest Europe, Portugal has its capital Lisbon . This is a famous city with a long history and unique culture. But not everyone knows there was a time when the country's capital was located in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro became the capital of Portugal for 13 years.

This incredible story relates to a modern historical event, and is associated with the name of Napoleon, the most famous military leader of all time in Europe. Accordingly, in 12/1807, at the beginning of the Peninsula War (1807-1814), Portugal was in danger of being invaded by Napoleon's French army.

The entire Portuguese court had to leave for Brazil, when it was a Portuguese colony, to take refuge. They arrived in Rio de Janeiro in March 1980.

The city of Rio de Janeiro at this time flourished: there is gold, diamonds and a granary of sugar cane. The city's workforce is plentiful with nearly one million slaves, accounting for about one third of the population.

The Portuguese prince Dom João VI founded the Portuguese Federation, Brazil and the Algarves, making Brazil from the colony into a place of equal status with Portugal. Brazil is also given administrative independence.

So, since 1808, Rio de Janeiro - where the royal capital is based - has actually become the capital of Portugal. This lasted until 1821, when the Portuguese royal family returned to Lisbon and remained there until 1910, when the monarchy disintegrated.

Despite being only the capital of Portugal for 13 short years, this period made Rio de Janeiro grow rapidly, becoming the most prosperous city on the continent of South America at that time.